The Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) and Africa, and the Global Ocean Observing System for Africa (GOOS-Africa) Joint five-day workshop is scheduled to take place from May 13th to May 17th, 2024, in Abidjan, hosted by the University of Côte d’Ivoire. This workshop aims to identify immediate actions to fulfil the coastal observation component of GMES and Africa (G&A). The programme will encompass a review of ocean observations, including their quality, technological innovations, priority areas, key variables for measurement frequency, and forecasting.

Participants will explore current capacities, including available equipment and facilities, their utilisation, strategies for enhancement, and strengthening the capacity of GOOS-Africa to deliver essential data and valuable information to end-users. This includes examining the communication process, organising and coordinating GOOS-Africa activities, identifying potential partners for fruitful collaborations, and establishing a continuous adjustment procedure for the strategic plan.

Furthermore, participants will include representatives from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Secretariat, the Decade Collaborative Centre on Ocean Prediction, marine consortia involved in GMES and Africa (G&A), centers of excellence, and multiple laboratories across the five African regions.