Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience |  University of Cape Coast

The Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) recently concluded its annual work plan meeting at the Rock City Hotel in Kwahu-Abetifi. The event spanned from Monday, 11th December to Wednesday, 13th December 2023, bringing together dedicated staff members to strategize and outline the activities for the upcoming year, 2024.

The three (3)-day gathering was marked by collaborative discussions, strategic planning sessions, and team-building activities. The primary goal was to develop a comprehensive work plan that aligns with ACECoR's mission to advance research, education, and outreach in coastal resilience across the African continent. Some of the key highlights discussed at the work plan were;

Strategic Vision for the African Oceans Institute: The Director of ACECoR, Prof. Denis W. Aheto reaffirmed the centre's commitment to enhancing coastal resilience in Africa. He spoke about the integration of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (DFAS), Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) and ACECoR into the African Oceans Institute (AOI), establishing a clear strategic vision for 2024, focusing on cutting-edge research, innovative education programs, and impactful outreach initiatives.

Research Initiatives: In his presentation on behalf of the Research Coordinator, Prof. Samuel Tulashie, Dr. Samuel Agblorti outlined ambitious research projects undertaken by ACECoR staff and students to address critical issues related to coastal resilience. These projects cover a range of research thematic areas, including climate change and mitigation, blue economy, governance and social resilience, and sustainable fisheries management, among others.

Capacity Building: Recognizing the importance of knowledge dissemination, the staff emphasized the need for capacity-building programs. Internships, training sessions, and academic programs/courses will be designed to equip ACECoR staff, professionals and students with the skills necessary for advancing the Centre’s goals.

International Collaboration: ACECoR will actively pursue collaborations with other research institutions and governmental bodies to foster a global network of expertise. This approach aims to leverage diverse perspectives and resources to address complex challenges in coastal resilience, food security and sustainability.

Integration of IT & Communication Strategy: ACECoR is determined to integrate state-of- the-art technologies such a laboratory to improve research, remote sensing, GIS, and data analytics into the new AOI by 2024. Effective communication is also important to ACECoR. The Institute will incorporate a comprehensive strategy that will include a redesigned website, an active social media presence, and the distribution of regular newsletters. The Centre promotes sustainable coastal management in Africa through transparent communication, engagement with traditional media and stakeholders, and collaborative action.

In conclusion, the 2024 work plan for ACECoR reflects a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation in the pursuit of coastal resilience in Africa. The staff's dedication during the 5th annual work plan sets a solid foundation for the coming year, reinforcing ACECoR's position as a leading institution in the field.