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V2V Actions

V2V joins the celebrations for the commissioning of the ACECoR building complex 

Contributed by: Richmond Korang, Lois Akosua Blay and Cindy Awuni from UCC, Ghana 

A momentous occasion unfolded at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) on November 10, 2023, as the Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) Building Complex was officially commissioned. The ceremony marked a significant achievement under the visionary leadership of the current Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong. The grand occasion was a testament to the commitment of the University, with the ACECoR building standing as a symbol of the University's dedication to advancing maritime research and conservation. The multi-purpose structure, a product of meticulous planning and execution, was made possible through collaborative efforts with the World Bank and the Government of Ghana, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering academic excellence. The ceremony commenced with dignitaries, faculty members, and esteemed guests gathered at the entrance of the new ACECoR building. Professor Boampong expressed his gratitude for the collaborative support that made the construction of the building complex possible. He underscored the vital role ACECoR would play in shaping the future of maritime research and conservation at UCC. Keynote speakers included representatives from the World Bank, the Government of Ghana, the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) program, and the Director of CCM-ACECoR, Prof. Denis Aheto, among others, who commended the University's commitment to promoting sustainable development through initiatives such as this. The building complex, research facilities, lecture halls, library, and state-of-the-art laboratory are poised to become a hub for cutting-edge research in maritime and environmental science. As the ribbon was ceremoniously cut, marking the official opening of the ACECoR Building Complex, a sense of pride and anticipation filled the atmosphere. The attendees toured the facility, admiring the potential it held for fostering interdisciplinary research and nurturing the next generation of scholars. The ceremony concluded with a sense of optimism for the future. The ACECoR Building Complex stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit between academia, international institutions, and the government in advancing the frontiers of knowledge. It is poised to be a beacon of academic excellence, contributing significantly to the University's global standing in sustainability research and conservation efforts.

INAUGURAL LECTURE BY PROF. DENIS WORLANYO AHETO: “OUR OCEANS: SECURING A COMMON FUTURE THROUGH TRANSFORMATIVE RESEARCH"

Contributed by: Richmond Korang, Lois Akosua Blay and Cindy Awuni from UCC, Ghana 

On Thursday, November 9, 2023, the School of Medical Sciences Auditorium at the University of Cape Coast hosted the inaugural lecture of CCM-ACECoR’s Director, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto. The distinguished gathering, comprising scholars, students, and esteemed guests, witnessed Professor Aheto's profound discourse on "Our Oceans: Securing a Common Future Through Transformative Research." Professor Aheto commenced by elaborating on the intricate challenges faced by our oceans, emphasizing environmental degradation and overexploitation as critical threats. Yet, the lecture pivoted towards optimism as he unveiled transformative research initiatives aimed at mitigating marine pollution, conserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable fisheries. As part of the inaugural lecture celebrations, Prof. Aheto engaged the University community, development partners, CSOs, and all at his Inaugural Lecture at the University of Cape Coast (UCC)’s School of Medical Sciences Auditorium in the afternoon. This event was preceded by an exhibition of his scholarly works in the foyer of the C. A. Ackah Lecture Halls. As part of the lecture, Professor Denis Aheto also released a book that summarizes his life and career. As the inaugural lecture came to an end, there was a sense of purpose in the air. Professor Aheto’s vision of a future where oceans are respected as vital ecosystems made an impression on everyone. The event not only marked a milestone for Professor Aheto but also ignited a shared commitment to protecting our oceans. This commitment goes beyond boundaries and national borders. To summarize, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto’s inaugural lecture was a step towards preserving our oceans. It provided a roadmap for groundbreaking research that resonates with all fields and inspires us all to work towards a sustainable and secure maritime future.

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Centre for Coastal Management hosts the 3rd annual conference on fisheries and coastal environment

Contributed by: Richmond Korang, Lois Akosua Blay and Cindy Awuni from UCC, Ghana 

The Centre for Coastal Management—Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (CCM-ACECoR) of the University of Cape Coast hosted the 3rd Annual Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment (CFCE) from November 6–8, 2023, at the Mensvic Grand Hotel in Accra, in partnership with the World Bank, WACA, Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (USAID-FTFGFRA), and Vulnerability to Viability Global Partnership Program, among other partners. Distinguished participants, encompassing marine scientists, policymakers, environmentalists, and industry experts, gathered under the thematic umbrella of "Inclusive Blue Economy in Africa: Towards Sustainable Transformation and Resilience of the Marine Environment." The conference inauguration featured keynote addresses from eminent figures, notably Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, as well as Prof. Rosemond Boohene, the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC). In his address, Dr. Bawumia stated that he believes Ghana's ocean must be conserved; hence, the government is seriously controlling the fishing industry. He also indicated that the government has started several initiatives to combat IUU fishing in our waters. “We are strictly supervising foreign fishing vessel licensing, including their gear, where they fish, and license status. Some foreign vessels have already been denied licenses”, he stated. Prof. Denis Aheto, the director of CCM-ACECoR, spoke in his keynote address about the enormous advantages of the ocean to the nation, including fishing, tourism, and employment, and how these advantages are at risk due to the degradation of Ghana's coastal landscape. To curb the degradation of the ocean, he also highlighted a number of policies and interventions the government is implementing, including a $150 million investment in the West Africa Coastal Area (WACA) to stem the tide of coastal degradation, the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in our waters, as well as strict regulation and licensing of foreign fishing vessels. Panel discussions underscored the imperative of inclusivity in policy formulation, recognizing the unique cultural and economic facets of each coastal region.

 

The deliberations highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive approach to sustainable fisheries management. Technological innovations designed to enhance sustainable practices in the fishing industry were unveiled, ranging from advancements in monitoring systems to ecologically responsible gear designs. These technological advancements offer tangible solutions to combat overfishing and promote responsible resource management. Break-out sessions provided a platform for participants to establish collaborative partnerships. Representatives from government bodies, non-profit organizations, and private enterprises pledged concerted efforts towards the shared goal of advancing a sustainable blue economy in Africa. There was also a session for the Centre’s partners to exhibit their products and services at the conference venue, as well as poster presentations where students and professionals in the field spoke to some of the research conducted on Blue Economy-related topics. The conference's conclusion marked not just the termination of deliberations but the initiation of a collaborative journey towards a more sustainable future. The collective efforts catalyzed during these proceedings are poised to propel Africa towards a harmonious coexistence with its coastal ecosystems, fostering resilience and sustainable development. In summary, the 3rd Annual Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment played a role in advancing our pursuit of a sustainable future. The commitments and vision expressed during this meeting are expected to have a lasting impact on the continent, leading Africa towards a more environmentally conscious connection with its coastal resources.

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V2V First In-Person Project Meeting in Puri, India 

Our first in-person meeting of the V2V Global Partnership concluded successfully in Puri, Chilika Lagoon, Bay of Bengal, India. Eighty member of the Partnership, who came from Africa, Asia, Europe and Canada, worked together for a whole week from 7 – 11 August 2023 to make this event memorable.​

 

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who were able to attend the V2V meeting in Puri. The meeting provided a valuable platform for us to make significant progress, plan for the future, and reflect on our journey together as the V2V family. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their invaluable contributions to this milestone event, which has further strengthened our commitment to supporting small-scale fisheries worldwide. 

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Welcoming Dr. Manas Kumar Mandal as a V2V Visiting Fellow under the "Paul Onyango V2V Visiting Fellows Program for Senior Scholars and Practitioners"

V2V Global Partnership Secretariat welcomed Dr. Manas Kumar Mandal, a cognitive neuropsychologist serving as a distinguished professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. He visited the University of Waterloo under the "Paul Onyango V2V Visiting Fellows Program for Senior Scholars and Practitioners". During Dr. Mandal's visit, a series of engaging activities took place, including a networking session with V2V Global Partnership students entitled "Communicating Science: Difficulties & Challenges", as well as a public lecture titled "Decoding Happiness: Understanding The Science Behind…".

 

These events fostered invaluable knowledge and experience sharing on methodologies, happiness, and well-being, and served to strengthen the collaboration between the V2V Global Partnership and the Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness. This visit aimed to advance academic linkages and enhance mutual understanding in these vital fields.

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Participating in the XIX Biennial IASC Conference entitled "The Commons We Want"

The XIX Biennial IASC Conference entitled "The Commons We Want: Between Historical Legacies and Future Collective Actions" was held from June 19 - 24, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya. Several V2V Global Partnership members participated in this conference and contributed to numerous panels, sessions, and papers:The Vulnerability To Viability Approach: Understanding the processes of building strong small-scale fishery commons”. Through a series of contributed papers, this session aimed to further extend the notion of Vulnerability To Viability (V2V) by, first, characterizing small-scale fisheries as commons and, second, drawing key elements from the commons theory to further develop the V2V transition approach, and offer conceptual directions on how small-scale fisheries systems can transition from vulnerability to viability. Organized and chaired by Prateep Kumar Nayak. Seeing commons as a process: The Commonisation-decommonisation perspective”. This double panel focused on furthering our understanding of commons as a process and reflected on theorizing commonisation-decommonisation as an analytical tool to examine multiple possibilities around making or breaking the commons. It also underscored the importance of a commons approach to facilitate our search for tools that enable the transition toward viability.

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