CORDIO at the 7th International Marine Conservation Congress
To conserve our oceans, we need all hands on deck – a vibrant research community connected to and collaborating with policymakers, ocean users, and resource managers. At the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC), scientists and practitioners come together to share research, tools, and lessons learned that further our understanding of marine science and policy. With over 800 delegates in attendance, IMCC is the single largest gathering of ocean conservationists in the world. The meeting brings together those from many walks of life, including but not limited to researchers, regulators, fishers, educators, artists, students and journalists.
We are pleased to be participating in the 7th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC7), hosted by the Society for Conservation Biology Marine Program (SCBMarine) in Cape Town, South Africa, and running 13-18 October, 2024. At the conference, we will hold three focus groups, and give nine and two oral and poster presentations, respectively. Our presentations will cover the spectrum of our research focus.
A full breakdown of our schedule is below, and you all are welcome to attend. Times indicated in South Africa Standard Time (SATC).
Our Focus Group Discussions
Application of the Red List of Ecosystems Framework to Enhance Marine Conservation Strategies
OCTOBER 18, 8:00 AM-12:30 AM, Room 2.44
The focus group session will facilitate discussions aimed at exploring the feasibility, challenges, and benefits of conducting national RLE assessments to support marine conservation strategies in line with National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and reporting to the GBF.
Strengthening Locally Managed Marine Areas in the Western Indian Ocean by Reconciling Small-Scale Fisheries with Conservation Targets
OCTOBER 13, 8:00 AM-6:30 PM, Room 2.46
We will establish a baseline of community-led governance in the WIO through presentations on (1) the inaugural “State of Governance in the Western Indian Ocean,” summarizing the status of equitable governance and management in the region; (2) existing national policies on community rights; (3) opportunities for expanding LMMAs with the effective area-based conservation measures (OECM) framework; and (4) insights from a WIO learning network supporting LMMAs.
Social-Ecological System Transformations as Pathways to Conservation
OCTOBER 14, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, Room 2.45
The goal of this focus group discussion is to discuss how scientific information can best support transformations of marine social-ecological systems (SES). Discussions will focus on (i) the type of conservation science and approaches needed to achieve ecological and societal sustainability and (ii) the modes of scientific engagement that provide greater impact towards transformation.
Our Presentations
Tuesday OCTOBER 15
1:30 PM – 1:40 PM
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MarCOSIO: Supporting Coral Bleaching Monitoring in the Western Indian Ocean
We showcase how satellite derived data and GIS information services can be used to support coral bleaching monitoring and management in the Western Indian Ocean
- With: James Mbugua
- Location: Orchid
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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Small Hook Size and Over-Fishing of Lethrinids in Small Scale Handline Fishery
We demonstrate how the use of sustainable fishing gears ensures protection of key target species in a fisheries study conducted in coastal Kenya.
- With: Evelyne Ndiritu
- Location: Exhibitor Hall
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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Empowering Conservation Enterprises for Sustainable Financing of LMMAs
We showcase how raising the socioeconomic benefits of local conservation enterprises can enhance the sustainable financing of community conservation efforts.
- With: Caroline Wanjiku
- Location: Exhibitor Hall
Wednesday, October 16
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
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Researching to Conserve Reef Sharks in Eastern Africa
We share evidence of local extinction of reef sharks in Eastern Africa, as likely driven by non-selective gillnets that capture juveniles of threatened species.
- With: Dr. Melita Samoilys
- Location: Hall 9
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
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Advancing Indigenous People and Local Community-Led Conservation
We demonstrate how shifting governance power towards indigenous people and local communities can lead to better conservation outcomes.
- With: Geoffrey Odhiambo
- Location: Freesia
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM
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Informing Restoration Strategies for Kenyan Coral Reefs
Our study, conducted along the Kenyan coast from 2020 to 2023, highlights key findings on juvenile coral distribution and survival.
- With: Swaleh Aboud
- Location: Orchid
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM
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Reliability of Community Coral Reef Data for Conservation
Learn how community-led coral reef monitoring in Kenya’s LMMAs informs management and conservation efforts amidst threats from overfishing and climate change.
- With: Abigail Mwalimu
- Location: Protea
Thursday, October 17
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
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Financing Contexts and Promotion of Best Practices in Conservation Finance
We share insight on nature-based solutions to financing conservation initiatives that are sustainable and able to offer socio-economic benfits to coastal communities.
- With: Paul Baraka
- Location: Protea
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
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Strengthening Resilience Potential Assessments for Coral Reef Management
We share insights from our published review of coral reef resilience assessments from around the world and their facility for the effective management of reefs.
- With: Mishal Gudka
- Location: Freesia
Friday, October 18
15:45 PM – 16:00 PM
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Enhancing Compliance and Enforcement to Safeguard Small-Scale Fisheries
We highlight best practices on the enforcement and compliance architecture/landscape in the Eastern Africa countries and how to achieve a shared understanding.
- With: Benedict Kiilu
- Location: Orchid
16:15 PM – 16:30 PM
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Marine Protected Areas in Comoros: Where are we at?
We delve into the current state of management and governance of Comoran Marine Protected Areas.
- With: Joshua Rambahiniarison
- Location: Orchid
Venue
Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC),
1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
IMCC7 will take place in at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town, South Africa, from October 13-18, 2024. Join to help Make Marine Science Matter!