Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – The 8th Conference of Ministers Responsible for Oceans, Inland Waters, and Fisheries from the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) convened on 11 September 2024. The ministers’ meeting was preceded by a preparatory meeting of senior officials, which convened on 9 and 10 September 2024, and the  FAO Blue Food Forum held back to back with the ministerial meeting on 12 and 13 September 2024.

A pivotal outcome of the conference was the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration that provides strategic policy direction for accelerating actions for sustainable and resilient oceans, inland waters and fisheries.

This historic gathering of OACPS ministers and stakeholders solidifies OACPS’ commitment to sustainable fisheries and ocean governance and marks a milestone in international cooperation towards the sustainable development of the oceans and inland fisheries aquatic resources for future generations.