A Lecturer at the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Dr. Mabel Anim, joined key stakeholders from across Africa in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to deliberate on the application of Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) techniques to tackle challenges facing marine ecosystems.
Organised under the auspices of Ocean Visions, the workshop “Towards an African Road Map for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D): Science, Policy, Governance, and Capacity Development”, brought together 40 experts, policymakers, researchers, and key stakeholders from Africa to explore how the continent can engage with mCDR techniques in line with regional priorities, governance frameworks and sustainable development goals.
Other partner institutions for the workshop were the University of Dar es Salaam, the National Environment Management Council (Tanzania), Technical University of Mombasa (Kenya), Stellenbosch University (South Africa), University of Cape Coast (Ghana), the Tanzania Ocean-Climate Innovation Hub, the Ocean-Climate Innovation Hub Kenya, and the Ghana Ocean-Climate Innovation Hub.
According to Dr. Anim, participants extensively discussed a wide range of topics including “Assessment of potential and impacts for mCDR pathways in Africa including applicable regulations, adjustments to permitting systems, social impact assessments, and scaling analysis.
They also delved into technical and infrastructural scientific gaps, including technology research, development and demonstration needs, as well as monitoring, verification, and reporting capacities.
Some participants in the event
Other topics explored were Finance mechanisms to enable emerging ocean-based climate mitigation techniques, including funding sources and partnerships; Policy and governance frameworks for mCDR, including ethical assessments, and community engagement and enabling a science-to-entrepreneurship pipeline for African ocean-based climate technologies, including field building; market infrastructure and demand; workforce development; and synergies with other sectors.
Dr. Anim said research has indicated that the world's oceans, which serve as vital carbon sinks, have absorbed significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide which had led to ocean acidification and disruption of marine ecosystems. To address these challenges, she noted that various biotic and abiotic Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) techniques, such as blue carbon conservation and ocean alkalinity enhancement, have been proposed.
“As global decarbonization efforts progress, mCDR could become essential for removing CO2 emissions.
However, there are significant knowledge gaps and challenges in science, policy, governance, and capacity building across different regions” she advocated.
Dr. Mabel Anim stressing a point at the workshop
She noted that further research was urgently needed to assess the effectiveness, impacts, and social acceptance of various mCDR techniques, ensuring the ocean continues to play a crucial role in climate remediation.
The workshop was a major milestone in advancing the role of African leaders in shaping the future of mCDR research, development and demonstration with a strong regional perspective.