CREAF showcases flyway collaboration at West African coastal forum
The Climate Resilient East Atlantic Flyway (CREAF) project hosted a side event at the Forum des Acteurs du Littoral et Marin en Afrique de l'Ouest (FOMACO) in Nouakchott, Mauritania, on 27 April 2026. The event brought together project partners from across Europe and West Africa to share progress and discuss opportunities for strengthening collaboration along the East Atlantic Flyway.
A regional forum for coastal conservation
Organised by CREAF partner the Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation in West Africa (PRCM), FOMACO is one of the region's leading forums for coastal and marine conservation. The 2026 forum focused on the theme of ocean health as a driver of a sustainable and inclusive blue economy, bringing together representatives from governments, conservation organisations, research institutions and local communities from across West Africa.
The forum provided a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them, including climate change, biodiversity loss and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Bringing together partners across the flyway
The CREAF side event highlighted how actions at critical sites along the East Atlantic Flyway are being linked through a common approach that combines research and monitoring, site management, policy engagement, communications and community livelihoods.
With implementation planned over eight years and involving 15 partner organisations working across Europe and West Africa, the project provides a platform for sustained collaboration, capacity development and knowledge exchange between sites facing similar environmental and social challenges. These sites also play a crucial role in supporting migratory waterbirds along the East Atlantic Flyway.
During the session, project partners presented progress and early results from the first year of implementation, reflected on lessons learned and invited participants to discuss ways to strengthen implementation in the years ahead.
From research to livelihoods
Partners highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen waterbird monitoring across the flyway, including capacity development, species tracking and improved data collection at key sites. Site-level activities included habitat management, awareness raising and practical actions designed to improve the resilience of coastal ecosystems and communities.
PRCM presented findings from a regional policy review that is helping identify opportunities to strengthen cooperation and policy alignment across the flyway. Activities supporting local communities were also showcased, including assessments of socio-economic conditions at project sites and initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods while supporting conservation objectives.
Together, these activities demonstrate how the project is working across multiple scales, from local action at individual sites to regional cooperation across the wider flyway.
Looking ahead
The session concluded with an open discussion on opportunities to strengthen the flyway approach and address remaining gaps in coastal wetland conservation. Participants highlighted the importance of strong partnerships, effective communication and continued collaboration between governments, conservation organisations, researchers and local communities.
Sustainable funding for conservation was also identified as a key challenge. Participants noted the importance of sustainable funding for monitoring, management and community engagement to ensure that conservation gains can be established long-term.
The event reinforced the value of regional cooperation across the East Atlantic Flyway and provided an opportunity for partners to exchange experiences, identify synergies and strengthen collaboration as the project moves into its next phase of implementation.