Building the Foundations for Marine CDR in Africa

Marine carbon dioxide removal is attracting growing scientific and financial attention, but responsible regional deployment requires credible evidence, ecological safeguards, transparent governance and sustained local capacity. This session will connect ocean-observing practice, satellite and in-situ monitoring, internationally recognized methods and policy implementation. Participants will examine what can be measured today, where uncertainty remains, how national authorities should evaluate proposed activities, and how African and Mediterranean institutions can participate as knowledge partners rather than only project hosts. The discussion will address additionality, durability, leakage, ecosystem risks, data traceability, community participation and alignment with national climate and ocean priorities. The intended outcome is a practical Mediterranean–Africa roadmap identifying minimum evidence requirements, institutional responsibilities, capacity needs and principles for fair international collaboration. The audience will leave with a clear distinction between research, demonstration and credit-ready deployment, plus concrete actions for governments, researchers, standards bodies, financiers and project developers.