From 10 to 13 September 2024, ECOWAS organized a regional workshop in Conakry as part of the Regional Programme for the Integrated Management of the Fouta Djallon Massif (PRAI-MFD). The workshop aimed to launch and validate tools for the programme under the theme "Issues and challenges of the Preservation of the Fouta Djallon Massif after the transfer of the Programme to ECOWAS."
The initiative aligns with several ECOWAS policies, including its Regional Policy on Environment and Water Resources, Regional Climate Strategy, Forest Convergence Plan, Labé Appeal for preserving the Fouta Djallon Massif, and Sahel Water Coalition. It also supports commitments from the International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development" 2018-2028.
Leading the ECOWAS delegation was Mrs. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture. The delegation included H.E. Mr. Blaise Louis AKA BROU, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Conakry; directors from various departments within ECOWAS; and members of the Massif du Fouta Djallon coordination team.
The workshop featured online broadcasts and participation from PRAI-MFD focal points, CGRE Integrated Water Resources Management (GIRE) focal points, representatives from transboundary basin organizations (OMVS, OMVG, ABN, MRU, ABCBT), technical and financial partners such as FAO, UNEP, WFP, and various Guinean ministries involved in managing the Fouta Djallon Massif (MFD).
Guinea’s Minister of Energy, Hydraulics and Hydrocarbons Mr. Aboubacar Camara urged participants to focus on concrete actions to meet local community expectations. Mrs. Djami DIALLO, Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development emphasized MFD's strategic importance in Guinea’s national policy. Mrs. TOURE-LITSE highlighted concerns over natural resources in MFD and called for inclusive partnerships to preserve it.
Mr. Kouakou Alex KOUASSI from CGRE discussed past actions taken by his department regarding MFD while expressing intent to strengthen partnerships further. Ms. Bintia Chicaya from FAO reiterated FAO's commitment to mobilizing technical expertise towards restoring MFD resources.
During an additional meeting with Guinea’s Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Amadou Ouri BAH attended by Ms TOURE-LITSE and H.E Mr Blaise Louis AKA BROU among others conveyed gratitude from H.E Dr Omar Alieu TOUREY towards Guinea's President General Mamadi DOUMBOUYA reaffirming ECOWAS’s support towards preserving MFD including its potential inclusion into UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The regional workshop primarily aimed at validating tools necessary for implementing PRAI-MFD while raising awareness among Member States about preservation challenges faced by Massif du Fouta Djallon.
Alerts Sign-up