Preparation for a possible marine oil spill incident is crucial. Mauritania is being supported to develop its National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) - the foundation of an effective and sustainable oil spill preparedness and response framework.
An in-person national workshop in Nouakchott, Mauritania (20-24 November), has been delivered under the framework of the GI WACAF Project, which works to enhance the capacity of partner countries to prepare for and respond to marine oil spills. The workshop was designed to support effective implementation of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC).
During the event, 30 national stakeholders and government personnel involved in oil pollution response were familiarized with the roles and responsibilities that need to be addressed prior to, and during an oil spill. In particular, the importance of effective collaboration amongst numerous different stakeholders. An action plan will facilitate ongoing development of an effective national oil spill preparedness and response framework. With technical assistance from GI WACAF, those present reviewed the country's strategic and operational plan, to strengthen Mauritania's dispersant usage policy.
The workshop was delivered through IMO's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP), and forms part of IMO's commitment to support African Small Island Developing States (SIDs) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in the effective implementation of the OPRC Convention.
Similar workshops have been delivered under the GI WACAF Project in Guinea-Bissau (February 2023) and the Gambia (September 2023). GI WACAF will provide ongoing support to Mauritania to further develop its preparedness capabilities.
