The Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) organised the Ocean-Climate Briefing Day , a high-level regional initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation against escalating climate threats to the oceans of Southern Africa.
Held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on March 25, 2026, and broadcast virtually across the 16 SADC member states, the event brought together government leaders, scientists, development partners and civil society in a collective effort to protect marine ecosystems and promote a sustainable blue economy.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Ndapanda Kanime, Acting Director of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at the SADC Secretariat, stressed the urgent need to protect marine resources that underpin food security, livelihoods, and economic growth. “Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and shifting fish stocks are eroding our future. Decisive and collaborative action is imperative,” she said, highlighting the SADC Blue Economy Strategy and Action Plan, developed by the SADC Secretariat, as a regional framework aligned with the UN’s 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Underwater .
Discussions focused on practical and innovative solutions, including sustainable fisheries management, marine carbon sequestration, and offshore renewable energy projects such as wind farms. These initiatives were identified as important pathways to strengthen resilience, stimulate economic growth, and promote environmentally sustainable development across the region.
Key speakers included Dr. Alasdair Harris, Director of the Ocean Resilience and Climate Alliance, and Dr. Paubert Mahatante, former Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy of Madagascar. Both emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, policy innovation, and multi-sectoral partnerships to protect marine ecosystems and advance the blue economy agenda.
The briefing emphasized the need for cross-sectoral cooperation among governments, private industry, and civil society to deliver scalable solutions that can be adopted across the region. The event’s outcomes are expected to guide SADC member states in integrating ocean-based solutions into their national climate strategies.
To conclude the event, the SADC Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to protecting marine resources for future generations. The official declaration marking the opening of the Ocean-Climate Briefing Day served as a renewed impetus for collective action to build a resilient and sustainable blue economy in Southern Africa
source : SADC
