SADC Drives Regional Action on Ocean and Climate Challenges
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat has convened a high-level Ocean-Climate Briefing Day aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in response to escalating climate threats affecting Southern Africa’s oceans.
Held in Johannesburg on 25 March 2026 and streamed virtually across SADC’s 16 Member States, the event brought together government leaders, scientists, development partners and civil society to advance solutions for protecting marine ecosystems and promoting a sustainable Blue Economy.
In her opening remarks, Ndapanda Kanime, Acting Director of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at the SADC Secretariat, stressed the urgency of safeguarding ocean resources.
“Rising seas, coastal erosion and shifting fish stocks are eroding our future. Decisive and collaborative action is imperative,” she said.
Ms Kanime highlighted the SADC Blue Economy Strategy and Action Plan as a key framework aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas and marine resources.
Discussions at the briefing centred on practical and innovative solutions, including sustainable fisheries management, marine carbon sequestration and offshore renewable energy projects such as wind farms. These were identified as critical pathways to strengthen climate resilience, drive economic growth and support environmental sustainability across the region.
Among the speakers were Alasdair Harris, Director of the Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance, and Paubert Mahatante, former Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy of Madagascar.
Both highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, policy innovation and multi-sector partnerships in advancing the Blue Economy agenda.
The meeting also emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between governments, the private sector and civil society to deliver scalable and impactful ocean-based solutions.
Outcomes from the briefing are expected to guide Member States in integrating ocean-focused strategies into national climate policies, reinforcing regional efforts to address environmental challenges.
The SADC Secretariat concluded the event with a renewed commitment to protecting marine resources and building a resilient and sustainable Blue Economy for future generations.
