By Patience Gbeze/Edward Dankwah
Accra, Aug 12, GNA – Professor Francis Gbogbo, Dean of the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), University of Ghana, says covering over 70 per cent of the earth’s surface, the oceans and their associated coastal ecosystems are central to human lives and livelihoods, yet under unprecedented pressure.
He said they regulated climate by absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and redistributing heat, stabilising weather patterns, and buffer the shores against storms and erosion.
“They are biodiversity havens, food baskets, and economic lifelines for millions,” he added.
Prof Gbogbo was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 10th anniversary of Coastal Ocean Environment Summer School in Nigeria and Ghana (COESSING), on the theme, “Celebrating a Decade of Empowering Excellence in African Coastal and Ocean Studies,” in Accra.
COESSING aims at empowering current and future African scientists to claim their rightful place in the worldwide science arena.
The Dean of SBS called for urgent action to protect these ecosystems, stressing that the health of the oceans was inextricably linked to the well-being of humanity.
He said the gathering was more than a training program but a launchpad for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange within the West African community, particularly in the vital fields of oceanic and environmental sciences.
“By equipping the African scientists with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to address these challenges, we are shaping a future where African voices are not only heard but also lead in the global conversation on ocean and environmental stewardship,” he added.
Professor Brian Arbic, COESSING Director, said global warming and plastic pollution were severely impacting oceans, leading to rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
He added that local expertise was crucial for informing effective government responses, especially in countries like Ghana where these challenges were increasingly evident.
The COESSING Director said the most significant recent development was that the school was now part of a major research initiative, called “Ocean Margins Initiative” which would be led locally by a representative from the University of Ghana.
He said the “Ocean Margins Initiative” would provide critical resources for advanced marine research, including access to Ghana Navy vessels, marking a major boost for ocean science in the region.
“Building on a decade of success in West Africa, funding has now been secured to launch a similar ocean science school in East Africa, starting this year and continuing into the next. While still in its early stages, the aim is to establish a long-term, impactful program in the region”
“Inspired by this program, a longtime participant originally from Cameroon has launched a similar ocean science school in a Francophone country. This initiative addresses the language gap, expanding access to marine science education in French-speaking regions of Africa,” he stressed.
Dr. Benjamin Botwe, Head of the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences (DMFS), said each year, COESSING engaged approximately 100 -170 African participants both in person and online alongside 10 – 40 instructors and organisers from Ghana, Nigeria, and the United States.
“For the 2025 edition, we are delighted to welcome 100 in-person participants and 60 instructors and organisers,” he added.
He said this year’s programme would offer five thematic tracks: Physical Oceanography, Remote Sensing, Ocean and Climate Modelling and Biogeochemistry, Fisheries and Marine Conservation, Science and Policy of Plastics and Ocean Margins Initiatives (OMI).
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade