The role of Africa’s oceans and seas in supporting socio-economic growth and development across different sectors is so significant that cannot be overemphasized. Nonetheless, pressures on this vast resource base are constantly increasing not only from the traditional maritime activities, but more from the emerging economic undertakings such as mariculture and offshore energy exploitation. Besides, increasing insecurity in the Africa’s marine waters, enhanced illegal trafficking, and degradation of the marine environment and climate change phenomenon further exacerbate the existing environmental stresses that have significant implications on the governance of the oceans, not only at the level of individual nations, but more challenging at the regional and continental levels.

Against a background of rapid population growth, industrialization, urbanization and environmental degradation, UNEP is participating in the ongoing global initiatives and processes on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), especially with respect to the environmentally sound management of all types of water resources: surface water, ground water, rain water, water in coastal and marine environments, and water in river basins and aquifers. UNEP also participates in other water-related initiatives and activities, such as Water and Small Islands Developing States, Water and Dams, desalination of water, water for mega-cities, and meeting water demand challenges worldwide.