One Health and Development Initiative (OHDI)

Marine and Ocean Conservation

Protecting ocean and marine ecosystems, strengthening coastal resilience, literacy and stewardship through community-led action.

Project Summary

Marine and Ocean Conservation Education is a capacity building initiative designed to protect marine and coastal ecosystems while strengthening environmental risk actions, ocean literacy and community-led conservation actions across coastal and inland areas in Africa and other Low and Medium Income Countries.

Marine and coastal ecosystem degradation caused by habitat loss, overfishing, climate change, pollution and limited public knowledge on the links between ocean and environment. These challenges pose severe risks to biodiversity, livelihoods, food security, public health and climate resilience.

MOCEAN  addresses these threats through capacity building of coastal and inland communities, educators, professionals, youths, civil society organizations with practical knowledge and communication tools to promote environmental responsible behavior and ocean literacy, integrating conservation action, reducing marine pollution, and supporting ecosystem restoration. Through training, community-led action,  the initiative will promote informed decision-making and actions to advance ocean conservation and climate resilience framework.

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Situational analysis and community members at Iwupom were trained on Ocean Conservation

1

Ocean Conservation Education Manual was developed and published.

1

Virtual stakeholder webinar held

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Students were sensitized on Ocean conservation education

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Photo story showcasing coastal community life was done

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Wildlife spotlight on Giant Leatherback Turtle

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Plastic waste management exercise was carried out

Project Components

1

Ocean Conservation literacy and Capacity building

This phase focuses on creating awareness and building knowledge on ocean ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution and interactions between climate and ocean. Coastal communities, fishers, practitioners, educators and local authorities will be trained on environmental behavioral change approaches and risk communications. Relevant materials are co-created locally to support community engagement and outreaches.

2

Community-led Conservation Actions

This phase supports community-based actions such as ocean and river clean ups, waste reduction, pollution prevention, mangrove protection and also habitat monitoring. These activities are designed with coastal communities to ensure responsibility and ownership.

3

Inclusion, Livelihood and Policy Engagement

This phase focuses on promoting livelihood resilience, inclusion, research, monitoring, and data to guide conservation informed decisions and policy dialogue. This includes assessments, documentation and engagement with local government authorities. The initiative will also work alongside women, youths, coastal livelihoods groups and marginalized communities to ensure sustainable conservation benefits.

4

Sustainability and Impact

To ensure long term impact, the initiative will partner with institutions across all boards, support establishment of conservation clubs…………….

Project Footprint

Active implementation across Osun State, Lagos State and Oyo State

Project Spotlight

Watch our field team in action during the consultative workshops in West Africa.

Project Updates

Latest insights from Marine and Ocean Conservation

Managing plastic at Araromi beach to conserve sea turtles

Sea turtle conservation through plastic waste management

We collaborated with vibrant members of the Araromi Community to relieve Araromi Beach of the plastic waste.

Our aim was to restore the scenic, and marine life-stimulating environment at that beach.

See the contribution of students from Royal Achievers School, and Fortune Gate School

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Project Gallery

Get Involved with Marine and Ocean Conservation

Join our mission to protect ocean and marine ecosystems, strengthening coastal resilience, literacy and stewardship through community-led action.