From April 20 to 23, 2026, Nouakchott hosted a regional training-of-trainers workshop on inclusive blue economy, organized by the WACA Program through its Regional Support Office managed by the IUCN Regional Office for West and Central Africa (IUCN PACO). The workshop brought together around thirty participants from WACA ResIP 1, WACA ResIP 2 and WACA+ projects, as well as regional institutions and technical partners.

Over four days, participants strengthened their capacities to translate blue economy challenges into concrete and inclusive actions on the ground.

The workshop provided national and regional teams with practical tools to improve blue value chain mapping, as well as the design and implementation of inclusive and gender-responsive blue economy initiatives.

Through this initiative, the WACA Program contributes to strengthening more effective and inclusive interventions, with expected impacts on:

• the creation of economic opportunities, particularly for women;
• improved livelihoods for coastal communities;
• more sustainable management of marine and coastal resources.

By promoting experience-sharing and networking among stakeholders, the WACA Program, with the support of IUCN PACO, continues to strengthen a regional dynamic focused on sustainable solutions for the resilience and economic development of West Africa’s coastal areas.