1. Context and justification of the session

The sixth edition of the International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC6), which will be held for the first time on the African continent in Dakar, is a global event of paramount importance for the future of marine conservation. As the international community strives to achieve the ambitious target of protecting 30 % of marine and coastal areas by 2030, under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, IMPAC6 comes at a pivotal moment to assess progress, guide future actions towards a «just and resilient» ocean, and accelerate international commitments relating to MPAs and ocean governance.

The fact that this conference is being held in Africa – and more specifically in Senegal, a country that has distinguished itself in recent years by establishing 17 marine protected areas and through its pioneering work in the field of community-based management of marine resources, offers a unique opportunity to place the issues of inclusive governance and social justice at the heart of the discussions. The choice of Africa as the host for IMPAC6 is particularly significant in that the continent is the «junction point of all the world’s seas and oceans» and African youth are set to play a leading role in the conservation of marine ecosystems.

Theme 1 of IMPAC6, «Inclusive, fair and appropriate governance placing MPAs at the heart of human societies», addresses a fundamental challenge: the success of marine conservation depends on the ability to closely involve local communities—the primary custodians of resources—in the joint development of sustainable solutions, whilst recognising the diversity of legal statuses and incorporating cultural, educational and artistic dimensions. The aim is to move beyond the historical top-down approaches, sometimes described as «coercive conservation», and to transform MPAs into genuine local initiatives, at the heart of the social, economic, cultural, artistic and educational dynamics of human societies.

2. Goals of the session

This thematic session provides an opportunity to:

• to analyse the conditions for implementing inclusive, fair and appropriate governance, drawing on practical experience and case studies from different regions of the world, with a particular focus on African initiatives; ;
• to identify the approaches, tools and mechanisms that enable the equitable involvement of all stakeholders (local communities, fishers, women, young people, , state authorities, the private sector, civil society organisations, artists and educators, etc.) at every stage of a MPA’s life cycle, from planning through to management, including monitoring and evaluation; ;
• to discuss ways of ensuring a fair distribution of the benefits and costs of conservation, taking into account the specific vulnerabilities and livelihoods of local communities, particularly marginalised groups; ;
• to promote local knowledge and practices, including traditional regulatory systems and customary rights, as assets for governance tailored to socio-ecological contexts; ;
• to explore the role of education, culture and artistic expression as drivers of awareness-raising, public engagement and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge regarding marine conservation issues; ;
• to make operational recommendations to ensure that MPAs, in Africa and elsewhere, are recognised and act as catalysts for sustainable development, social justice and cultural cohesion.

3. Sub-themes of the session

The session offers a structured discussion centred on three complementary pillars for the sustainable management of marine and coastal areas.

3.1. Legal contexts and diversity of protection statuses

This section examines the variety of legal instruments, emphasising the complementarity between marine protected areas (MPAs) and AMCEZs – areas not classified as protected areas but managed sustainably for in situ conservation. The aim is to analyse national and regional frameworks (Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, the Pacific) and their capacity to recognise the usage rights of local communities. The following topics are also addressed: hybrid governance combining customary law and statutory law; the participatory development of legislation and management plans; and the role of AMCEZs in ecological connectivity and the integration of biodiversity into sectoral policies.

3.2. Local, participative and inclusive governance

This second strand places communities at the heart of collective action. It explores models of co-management (sharing of roles, delegation, capacity-building), inclusive mechanisms (gender, generations, vulnerable groups), and tools for integrated territorial governance such as marine spatial planning. Assessing socio-economic impacts and ensuring the equitable sharing of benefits (tourism, local funds, green jobs) are essential, as is mediating conflicts of use with small-scale fisheries. Particular attention is paid to the engagement of young people, in line with the objectives of IMPAC6.

3.3. Education, culture, arts and society

This final component highlights the intangible aspects of conservation. It promotes the integration of marine issues into educational programmes, the promotion of local cultural practices and knowledge , and the use of artistic expressions (storytelling, music, visual arts, film) as vehicles for raising awareness and fostering dialogue between science and society. Co-creation initiatives and the analysis of social perceptions of the ocean help to increase acceptance of conservation measures. Finally, citizen-led initiatives combining education, art, digital technology and artificial intelligence, such as the Senegalese platform Green Act Club, illustrate this dynamic for IMPAC6.

4. Session format

In order to encourage interaction and the sharing of experiences, the session will take a blended format, combining:

• Introductory lectures : High-level presentations to set out the context and the issues at stake, including testimonies from practitioners on the ground, representatives of local communities, artists, educators and politicians.
• Round-table discussions and panel discussions : Discussions organised around the three sub-themes, bringing together MPA managers, representatives of local communities, scientists, lawyers, teachers, artists and policy-makers.
• Areas for informal discussions and demonstrations : Sessions dedicated to networking, bilateral meetings, as well as presentations of artistic works, films, educational resources and innovative digital tools.
• Oral presentations : research findings, feedback, comparative analyses .
• «Posted» presentations» : highlighting case studies, innovative projects, educational and artistic initiatives, and participatory processes.
• Short films : examples of practical initiatives, community-led approaches, artistic creations or educational projects.
• Artistic performances : stories, sketches, songs, dances, visual performances, installations, etc., to raise awareness of and express the challenges of inclusive governance in a sensitive and accessible way.

We strongly encourage proposals from groups comprising MPA managers, researchers, representatives of local communities, teachers, artists, cultural mediators and young people.

5. Practical informations

• Languages of the session : French, English and Spanish (simultaneous interpreting will be provided).
• Date and venue : The session will take place during IMPAC6, at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre (CICAD) in Dakar, Senegal, from 22 to 27 March 2027.
• Submission of proposals : Proposals for papers (oral or poster presentations), films or artistic performances must be submitted via the dedicated IMPAC6 platform by …. An abstract of no more than 300 words, detailing the content, methodology, implications and relevance to the theme and sub-themes, is required.

6. Contact

1. Context and justification of the session

In 2027, Senegal will host the sixth International Congress on Marine Protected Areas (IMPAC6). This sixth congress will take place against a backdrop of an urgent need to protect the oceans by improving the management effectiveness and resilience of marine protected areas.

Marine protected areas are regarded as effective tools for managing biodiversity and marine resources used by local communities. However, despite their success in the media, the impact of MPAs on marine and coastal conservation has yet to be demonstrated.

Knowledge – whether derived from modern science, indigenous sources or traditional practices – has a vital role to play in the effective management of marine protected areas. Sharing and harnessing knowledge are essential for improving management effectiveness and the resilience of marine protected areas. However, the available scientific knowledge remains insufficient, and much of it is under-utilised in the management processes of marine protected areas. Indigenous knowledge continues to be marginalised in formal approaches to the governance of marine protected areas worldwide. Furthermore, the impacts associated with climate change constitute emerging threats for which MPAs are not prepared, thereby limiting their resilience.

It is therefore necessary to improve the generation, governance, sharing and utilisation of scientific knowledge in order to enhance the management effectiveness and resilience of marine protected areas. Previous conferences have examined the central role of scientific knowledge and indigenous knowledge in the management of marine protected areas. IMPAC3 had dedicated a thematic session to «Science and Knowledge for Better MPA Management». Support for and respect of indigenous knowledge from around the world were key features of IMPAC5. IMPAC6 builds on this momentum by creating Thematic Session 2: ‘Generating, harnessing and sharing knowledge to enhance the effectiveness and resilience of MPAs’.

2. Goals of the session

The session aims to help strengthen the production of scientific data, the promotion of scientific knowledge and participatory research.

Specifically, it will enable:

• share relevant scientific data on MPAs; ;
• to analyse the role of science in the management of marine protected areas; ;
• to share and build on experiences and best practices in the promotion and sharing of scientific and locally-generated knowledge; ;
• to examine mechanisms for integrating local knowledge into the management of marine protected areas ; ;
• to explore the challenges and issues surrounding participatory research; ;
• to discuss the role of MPAs in building resilience to climate change; ;
• to discuss approaches and strategies for adapting to climate change; ;
• to promote scientific cooperation and networking; ;
• to capitalise on best practice in participatory research within marine protected areas; ;
• to propose strategies to strengthen the application of knowledge and participatory research.

3. Sub-themes of the session

Theme 2 is structured around the following three sub-themes:

3.1. Promoting research, participatory science and local knowledge to foster a «science-to-management» approach»

This sub-theme will focus on participatory research, the use of research findings and local knowledge for the effective management of marine protected areas. It will provide a forum for discussion on the relationship between scientific research and management, best practices, experiences and innovations in participatory research, the generation of relevant scientific data , the application of knowledge, and the recognition and integration of indigenous knowledge into management processes.

3.2. Strengthening the capacity of MPAs to anticipate and adapt to rapid change

This sub-theme will examine the capacity of marine protected areas to adapt to climate change and their resilience . Discussions will focus on the experiences and best practices regarding adaptation adopted by MPA managers in response to climate change, initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity to anticipate change, and the development of management approaches based on resilience in the face of rapid change.

3.3. Governance of scientific data, knowledge sharing, scientific cooperation and innovation

This sub-theme will focus on systems for the production and governance of scientific data, the accessibility of knowledge and mechanisms for scientific cooperation. Discussions will centre on on the management of scientific knowledge, best practices in the management of scientific databases and knowledge at regional and international levels, the strengthening of scientific cooperation, and innovations in the production and utilisation of scientific data.

4. Session format

To facilitate discussion and the sharing of knowledge, the session will take the following formats:

• Oral and poster presentations : presentation of the research findings and discussion with participants on the sub-themes; ;
• Panels : discussions with high-level experts on the sub-themes; ;
• Round-table discussions : discussion of specific topics relating to the sub-themes; ;
• Spaces for informal discussion to encourage networking and the exchange of information.

5. Practical informations

• Working languages : French, English and Spanish (simultaneous interpreting).
• Venue and date : Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre (CICAD), Dakar (Senegal), 22–27 March 2027.
• Submission of proposals : online via the dedicated platform on the conference website. An abstract of no more than 300 words outlining the context, methodology, key findings and future directions.

6. Contact

1. Context and justification of the session

The ocean is a unique, continuous and deeply interconnected ecological system. Ocean currents, species migration, genetic exchange, biogeochemical cycles and climatic processes transcend administrative boundaries and the limits of national jurisdictions. Yet conservation measures remain largely fragmented, organised along institutional lines that only imperfectly reflect the actual functioning of marine ecosystems. This mismatch is now one of the main challenges facing global marine conservation (UNESCO-IOC, 2024).

In recent years, international ocean governance has undergone an unprecedented evolution. The adoption of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which sets the target of conserving at least 30 % of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030, followed by the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), have profoundly reshaped the ambitions of the international community. For the first time, a global legal framework makes it possible to envisage the creation of marine protected areas on the high seas, opening up the prospect of a genuine global conservation network stretching from coastal areas to those beyond national jurisdiction.

However, these policy advances will only bear fruit if they are accompanied by a profound transformation in the ways in which cooperation takes place. The success of the «30×30» target will depend not solely on the number of protected areas created, but on their ecological representativeness, their functional connectivity, the effectiveness of their management, and their integration into coherent networks at different levels of governance. This transition involves moving beyond an approach based on the juxtaposition of MPAs to build genuine ecological and institutional infrastructures linking coastal areas, exclusive economic zones, regional seas and the high seas.

It is precisely within this framework that Theme 3 is situated. It constitutes one of IMPAC6’s main forums for strategic reflection, bringing together two inseparable dimensions of contemporary conservation. The first concerns the implementation of the new international agenda for ocean governance through the BBNJ Agreement, ecological connectivity and conservation measures on the high seas. The second focuses on the practical mechanisms for putting this ambition into practice, notably through inter-state collaboration, regional seas conventions, regional organisations and networks of MPA managers.

The fact that IMPAC6 is being organised in Senegal, on behalf of Africa, lends this discussion a particular significance. For more than two decades, the continent has demonstrated that regional cooperation is a powerful driver of institutional innovation, capacity-building and improved management of MPAs. The initiatives led by RAMPAO, MedPAN, WIOMPAN and the regional seas conventions illustrate the added value of these collaborative efforts in strengthening the ecological coherence of MPA networks, pooling scientific knowledge and supporting States in implementing their international commitments. IMPAC6 thus offers a unique opportunity to bring together regional experiences, scientific advances and new international legal instruments in order to define a collective roadmap for the development of truly representative, connected and resilient MPA networks across the global ocean.

2. Goals of the session

The aim of this session is to contribute to the development of an integrated vision of networks of as a global conservation infrastructure, capable of ensuring ecological continuity between coastal areas and the high seas and of supporting the effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

In particular, it will enable:

• to analyse the scientific, institutional and political implications of the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement for the development of representative and interconnected networks of MPAs; ;
• to examine approaches that promote ecological connectivity between coastal MPAs, exclusive economic zones and marine areas beyond national jurisdiction; ;
• to assess the role of inter-state collaborations, regional organisations, regional seas conventions and networks of MPA managers in implementing the new global marine conservation agenda; ;
• to highlight the most innovative examples of regional cooperation, multi-level governance, capacity-building and knowledge-sharing; ;
• to produce strategic recommendations aimed at accelerating the implementation of the «30×30» target, enhancing the coherence of ocean policies and consolidating the scientific and policy legacy of IMPAC6.

3. Sub-themes of the session

The work will focus on the two sub-themes officially selected for IMPAC6, which represent two complementary dimensions of a single ambition: to build an ecological and institutional conservation continuum on a global ocean scale.

3.1. The BBNJ Treaty, ocean governance and the connectivity of conservation measures towards the open ocean

This sub-theme will examine recent developments in international ocean governance and the conditions necessary for the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. Discussions will focus in particular on marine protected areas on the high seas, area-based management tools, ecological connectivity , environmental impact assessments, benefit-sharing, the transfer of marine technologies, capacity-building and the interactions between the main international frameworks relating to marine conservation.

3.2. Inter-state cooperation: the role of regional organisations and MPA networks

This sub-theme will analyse the cooperation mechanisms essential to the development of coherent and effective MPA networks. Particular attention will be paid to the role of regional organisations, regional seas conventions, networks of MPA managers, communities of practice and scientific partnerships in strengthening inter-state cooperation, harmonising public policies, pooling knowledge and supporting the implementation of the BBNJ.

4. Session format

In order to foster high-level dialogue between science, public policy and management practices, the session will combine introductory lectures, strategic round-table discussions, expert panels, scientific papers, presentations of best practice, case studies, scientific posters, documentary films and networking opportunities. Discussions will focus on interdisciplinary approaches, lessons learnt and practical solutions likely to strengthen MPA networks at national, regional and global levels.

5. Practical informations

• Working languages : French, English and Spanish (simultaneous interpreting).
• Venue and date : Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre (CICAD), Dakar (Senegal), 22–27 March 2027.
• Submission of proposals : in accordance with the procedures laid down by the IMPAC6 Scientific Committee.

6. Contact

1. Context and justification of the session

In March 2027, Dakar will host the sixth International Congress on Marine Protected Areas (IMPAC6), the first IMPAC congress to be held on the African continent. Scheduled to take place from 22 to 26 March 2027, this event will place Africa at the centre of global discussions on the future of marine protected areas (MPAs) and their contribution to ocean conservation, the well-being of coastal communities and sustainable development. This meeting comes at a pivotal moment. Whilst the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework calls for the conservation of at least 30 % of marine and coastal areas by 2030, just over 8 % of the global marine environment was covered by protected areas or other effective conservation measures in 2024. The challenge, however, is not merely to increase the area under protection. It also involves ensuring effective, equitable and sustainable management of existing MPAs, in particular through adequate human, institutional, technical and financial resources.

However, many MPAs still lack sufficient resources to carry out their core functions, including monitoring, ecological monitoring, habitat restoration, use management, consultation with local communities, and the implementation of development and management plans. Their funding often relies on short-term projects, which undermines the continuity of staff and operations. This situation is part of a wider global shortfall. The Global Biodiversity Framework estimates the biodiversity funding gap at around 700 billion dollars per year and sets a target of mobilising at least 200 billion dollars per year by 2030. Consequently, sustainable funding for MPAs can no longer depend on a single source. It must be based on an appropriate mix of public funding, international aid, trust funds, blue bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, blue carbon credits, fiscal mechanisms, user charges, impact investments and responsible partnerships with the private sector, and payments for ecosystem services. However, these mechanisms are only effective if they guarantee environmental integrity, transparency, equity in the distribution of benefits and the effective participation of local communities.

At the same time, MPAs should not be viewed as areas isolated from the economic dynamics of their wider regions. If managed effectively, they can support sustainable blue value chains , particularly in sustainable fisheries, ecotourism, low-impact aquaculture, the promotion of local products, ecosystem restoration and services related to ‘blue carbon’. However, the compatibility of these activities with MPAs depends on specific conditions, notably respecting ecological carrying capacities, reducing pressure on resources, generating local income, ensuring equitable access for women and young people to economic opportunities and the maintenance of priority conservation objectives. Finally, securing funding and developing such activities requires a clear demonstration of the outcomes achieved by MPAs. Yet their contributions to food security, employment, income, climate resilience, local governance and the maintenance of ecosystem services remain insufficiently measured and documented. It is therefore necessary to have accessible tools and indicators that enable the joint assessment of their ecological, economic, social and institutional performance.

It is precisely around these complementary issues that Thematic Session No. 4 of IMPAC6 is organised. It will bring together three sub-themes:

• Mechanisms and solutions for the sustainable financing of MPAs and marine conservation; ;
• Business sectors and sustainable blue value chains compatible with MPAs; ;
• Tools and approaches for assessing the contribution of MPAs to sustainable development.

2. Goals of the session

The session aims to bring together the issues of funding, sustainable economic development and impact assessment in order to strengthen the effectiveness, sustainability and contribution of MPAs to sustainable development. In particular, it will pursue the following objectives:

• To analyse the main obstacles to sustainable financing for MPAs, including insufficient public budgets, reliance on project-based funding and a lack of long-term resources.
• To present and compare existing and innovative financing mechanisms, such as trust funds, blue bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, blue carbon credits, tax mechanisms, user charges and public-private partnerships.
• To identify the conditions necessary for the success and replication of these mechanisms, taking into account governance, transparency, equity, management capacity, monitoring of outcomes and environmental integrity.
• To promote blue economy sectors and value chains that are compatible with MPAs, in particular sustainable fishing, ecotourism, responsible aquaculture, the promotion of local produce and ecosystem restoration.
• Examine the conditions under which these activities can generate local income and jobs, whilst reducing pressure on resources and ensuring the participation of communities, women and young people.
• To present the tools, methods and indicators used to assess the ecological, economic, social and institutional contributions of MPAs to sustainable development.
• To foster dialogue between MPA managers, communities, public decision-makers, researchers, donors, investors and the private sector regarding the needs, constraints and opportunities for partnership.
• To draw on experiences and best practices from different regions, with particular attention paid to African contexts.
• To formulate operational recommendations and key messages for IMPAC6, with a view to strengthening the integration of MPAs into policies on conservation, the blue economy, biodiversity financing and territorial development.

3. Sub-themes of the session

Thematic Session No. 4 is structured around three complementary sub-themes, which enable us to address, in turn, the resources required for the management of MPAs, the economic activities compatible with their conservation objectives, and the tools for measuring their outcomes.

3.1. Mechanisms and solutions for the sustainable financing of MPAs and marine conservation

This sub-theme will examine mechanisms for securing sufficient, diversified and sustainable financial resources to ensure the essential functions of MPAs, including planning, surveillance, scientific monitoring, ecosystem restoration and community participation. Discussions will focus in particular on public funding, trust funds, blue bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, blue carbon credits, fiscal mechanisms, user charges, public-private partnerships and impact investments. Particular attention will be paid to the conditions necessary for the success of these mechanisms, notably governance, transparency, equity, management capacity, impact monitoring and environmental integrity.

3.2. Sustainable blue economic sectors and value chains compatible with MPAs

This sub-theme will focus on identifying and promoting economic activities that can contribute to regional development whilst respecting the conservation objectives of MPAs. It will focus in particular on sustainable fishing, ecotourism, responsible aquaculture, the promotion of local produce, and other low-impact blue economy activities. The discussions will analyse the conditions needed to limit pressure on resources, boost local incomes and jobs, improve community participation and ensure an equitable distribution of benefits, particularly for women and young people.

3.3. Tools and approaches for assessing the contribution of MPAs to sustainable development

This sub-theme will focus on the approaches, methods and indicators used to measure the contribution of MPAs to sustainable development. In particular, it will focus on assessing the impacts of MPAs on biodiversity, ecosystem services, climate resilience, fisheries, income, employment, food security, local governance and community well-being. Discussions will also aim to identify tools accessible to managers, improve data collection and make better use of assessment results to inform public decision-making, strengthen accountability and mobilise funding for marine conservation.

4. Session format

In order to encourage interaction and the sharing of experiences, the session will take a blended format, combining:

• Introductory lectures : high-level presentations to set out the context and the issues at stake, including testimonies from those working on the ground, representatives of local communities, artists, educators and politicians.
• Round-table discussions and panel discussions : discussions organised around the three sub-themes, bringing together MPA managers, representatives of local communities, scientists, lawyers, teachers, artists and decision-makers.
• Areas for informal discussions and demonstrations : opportunities for networking, bilateral meetings, and presentations of artistic works, films, educational resources and innovative digital tools.
• Oral presentations : research findings, feedback, comparative analyses .
• «Posted» presentations» : highlighting case studies, innovative projects, educational and artistic initiatives, and participatory processes.

5. Practical informations

• Languages of the session : French, English and Spanish (simultaneous interpreting will be provided).
• Date and venue : The session will take place during IMPAC6, at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre (CICAD) in Dakar, Senegal, from 22 to 27 March 2027.
• Submission of proposals : Proposals for papers (oral or poster presentations), films or artistic performances must be submitted via the dedicated IMPAC6 platform. An abstract of no more than 300 words, detailing the content, methodology, implications and relevance to the theme and sub-themes, is required.

6. Contact