Enhancing Oil Spill Monitoring in Northern Africa: The Role of GMES and Africa

Oil spills pose a severe threat to the coastal environments of Northern Africa, affecting marine biodiversity, local economies, and human health. The GMES and Africa programme, particularly through the MarcNoWA consortium, is playing a pivotal role in monitoring and mitigating these impacts by providing critical data and decision-making tools to local authorities in the region.

Monitoring Oil Spills: A Critical Need

Between September 2022 and June 2024, the Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE)—a key member of the Marine and Coastal Areas Management in North and West Africa (MarcNoWA) consortium—has produced 139 oil spill maps of Egypt and Libya under the GMES and Africa programme. These maps cover 3,130 km² of sea, with Egypt’s coastal waters accounting for 125 cases spanning 2,906 km², and Libya recording 14 incidents over 224 km². These comprehensive maps serve as essential tools for national agencies like the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) and the Libyan Center for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, supporting their daily operations in monitoring coastal waters and guiding critical decision-making processes.

Sample oil spill map for Egyptian coastal waters

However, the month of August 2024 saw a surge in oil spills in Libyan and Egyptian waters, primarily attributed to leaks from ships and oil production platforms. In Libya, seven oil spills were recorded, threatening coastal cities such as Benghazi, Misrata, and Darna, covering an area of 421 km². Similarly, Egypt reported 12 spills affecting key coastal areas including Safaga, Sharm El-Sheikh, Alexandria, and Suez, totaling 253.9 km². The detailed mapping and data provided by GMES and Africa are crucial for responding to these incidents, minimizing their impact, and formulating long-term environmental strategies.

Sample oil spill map for Libyan coastal waters

Environmental and Economic Impacts of Oil Spills

Oil spills have devastating consequences for the environment and local economies. They severely disrupt fishing activities, harm marine biodiversity, and pose significant risks to human health. The contamination of coastal waters also deters tourism, an essential economic driver for many Northern African countries. The broader economic impact includes losses in revenue and increased costs for clean-up operations, further straining national resources.

The ongoing oil spill monitoring efforts led by GMES and Africa highlight the urgent need for proactive measures and enhanced cooperation among regional stakeholders. In Morocco, for instance, the University Chouaib Doukkali (UCD), another MarcNoWA partner institution, has maintained a continuous collaboration with the Agence Nationale des Ports (ANP). This partnership includes regular engagements and coordinated activities, such as a simulation exercise conducted at the port of Jorf Lasfar in June 2023, aimed at bolstering preparedness against accidental marine pollution. The exercise focused on developing effective intervention strategies and implementing scientific techniques to combat oil spills. Engagements have continued throughout 2024, including sessions in August, underscoring the ongoing commitment to refine and adapt these strategies. These activities, supported by the MarcNoWA align with the framework agreement for scientific cooperation between ANP and UCD, emphasizing sustained efforts to protect marine and coastal environments.

Officials of UCD and ANP in August 2024

The Role of Earth Observation, GMES and Africa, and MarcNoWA

Earth observation technologies are indispensable in the fight against oil spills. They provide timely and accurate data that enables swift response actions, minimizes environmental damage, and helps track the sources of pollution. The GMES and Africa programme, a collaborative effort between the African Union Commission and the European Union, is at the forefront of these efforts. It leverages satellite-based monitoring systems to deliver critical information on oil spills, empowering local authorities with the tools needed to manage and mitigate environmental risks.

The MarcNoWA consortium, which stands for Marine and Coastal Areas Management in North and West Africa, is led by the University of Ghana and plays a key role within the GMES and Africa programme. As the lead institution, the University of Ghana coordinates the efforts of various partners, including CEDARE, UCD, and the 'Centre d'Etudes et de Recherche des Télécommunications' - CERT in Tunisia, to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection across Northern and West African waters. The consortium's work underscores the importance of regional collaboration and capacity building in addressing oil spill challenges.

The success of GMES and Africa’s tailored initiatives reflects its commitment to enhancing environmental monitoring and protection in African waters. The programme not only aids in immediate response efforts but also fosters continuous development and regional cooperation, aiming to reduce the risks associated with maritime operations and safeguard sea users. The ongoing training sessions and stakeholder engagements underscore the importance of sustained collaboration in addressing the complex challenges posed by oil spills.

A Path Forward

As the threats from oil spills continue to loom over Northern Africa, the need for robust monitoring and response strategies becomes ever more pressing. The GMES and Africa programme, through its comprehensive approach and dedicated partnerships, sets a critical path forward. By enhancing the region's capacity to monitor, manage, and mitigate oil spill incidents, it not only protects the environment but also supports the livelihoods and well-being of coastal communities. This collective commitment to transformative environmental initiatives is a testament to the power of international collaboration in addressing global challenges.