In collaboration with the SADC Secretariat, AU-IBAR is enhancing Regional Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Systems for the Conservation and Protection of Aquatic Biodiversity and Environmental Management in the SADC region. The Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity Project, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, supported the inaugural meeting of the SADC MCSCC Board of Directors in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. This meeting, along with a preparatory session, took place from 23-27 September 2024.
The Regional Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (RMCSCC), established in April 2023, plays a crucial role in promoting regional collaboration against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fisheries (IUU). During the meeting, the Board focused on developing an annual work plan to guide the center’s activities, with a goal of improving efficiency, encouraging innovation, and coordinating activities across different locations.
The meeting covered topics such as the introduction of new members, ratification of the meeting record, reports from the MCSCC Secretariat/IPMU, and discussions on reporting requirements and governance issues. The approved consolidated work plan emphasizes the use of innovative technologies to address IUU challenges, improved collaboration frameworks among member states, capacity development through training programs and knowledge exchange platforms, resource mobilization initiatives with various partners, and a communications strategy for regional awareness.
The meeting outcomes include the development of a strategic work plan aligning member states towards common objectives, feedback from stakeholders to enhance operational policies, and the establishment of partnerships for synergies in Monitoring Control and Surveillance initiatives in the SADC region. Overall, the meeting facilitated exchanges among stakeholders to improve resource mobilization and strengthen regional cooperation in combating IUU fishing.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).