Senegal joins global Space4Ocean Alliance to advance marine conservation

Senegal has become a founding member of the newly established Space4Ocean Alliance, a groundbreaking international initiative leveraging space technologies to protect the world's oceans. The Senegalese Agency for Space Studies (ASES) formally joined the coalition during its launch ceremony at the Côte d'Azur Observatory coinciding with the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference. 

The alliance, initiated by the French Space Agency (CNES), brings together more than 30 leading space agencies and oceanographic institutions including the European Space Agency, China National Space Administration, and UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. This collaborative platform aims to harness satellite data and space-based technologies to address critical marine challenges such as illegal fishing, coastal erosion, and pollution monitoring. 

Senegal's participation, represented by ASES CEO Maram Kaire, underscores the country's commitment to innovative solutions for ocean conservation. "Our membership in this alliance positions Senegal to better protect our marine resources and coastal communities through advanced space technologies," Kaire stated. The partnership will provide Senegal with enhanced capabilities to monitor its extensive coastline and maritime territory, supporting sustainable fisheries management and blue economy development. 

The launch event gathered prominent figures from the space and marine conservation sectors, including UN Office for Outer Space Affairs Director Aarti Holla-Maini, ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet, and Monaco's Minister of Foreign Affairs Isabelle Berro-Amadeï. The alliance represents a significant step toward achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) by combining orbital observation systems with marine research and policy implementation. 

For Senegal, this collaboration opens new opportunities to integrate satellite data into national strategies for climate resilience and marine resource management. The Space4Ocean Alliance will facilitate technology transfer and capacity building, enabling African nations to actively participate in global efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems through space innovation. 

The initiative's first operational projects will focus on real-time monitoring of marine protected areas and supporting coastal communities vulnerable to climate change impacts, with initial implementations expected across West Africa in 2026.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye