Context: In 2008, Member States adopted the ECOWAS Vision 2020, which set out the strategic objectives of the Community for a borderless region, sustainable development, peace and good governance, and integration into the global market, as well as its transformation from an ‘ECOWAS of states’ to an ‘ECOWAS of people’. The challenges in the maritime domain seriously undermine efforts aimed at realising the objectives of the ECOWAS Vision 2020 and the goals of the July 1993 revised ECOWAS Treaty (Revised Treaty). Indeed, given the maritime domain’s critical role in development and in achieving the fundamental ideals of the Community, the challenges represent a foremost priority for the 15 ECOWAS Member States. It is also evident that the region will not fully achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) if urgent measures are not undertaken nationally and regionally to mitigate the fast-developing threats to the maritime domain.

Actions based on the five strategic objectives of the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS)

Strategic objective 1: Strengthen maritime governance

• Action 1.1 – Develop and promote efficient and
• responsible maritime resource management
• Action 1.2 – Define maritime domain
• Action 1.3 – Establish and strengthen
• governance mechanisms
• Action 1.4 – Strengthen regulations and
• the rule of law
• Action 1.5 – Strengthen international cooperation

Strategic objective 2: A safe and secure maritime domain

• Action 2.1 – Strengthen surveillance and
• information networks
• Action 2.2 – Protect and defend the EMD
• Action 2.3 – Prevent and combat piracy and
• armed robbery at sea
• Action 2.4 – Promote and protect the safety
• of maritime navigation and passage
• Action 2.5 – Eliminate maritime transnational
• organised crime

Strategic objective 3: Maritime environmental management

• Action 3.1 – Prevent and combat pollution
• Action 3.2 – Manage natural disasters

Strategic objective 4: Optimise the ECOWAS maritime economy

• Action 4.1 – Develop and promote fisheries and aquaculture
• Action 4.2 – Prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, un-reported and unregulated (IUU) fishing
• Action 4.3 – Prevent illegal tapping and theft of oil
• Action 4.4 – Promote marine tourism
• Action 4.5 – Develop maritime-related infrastructure
• Action 4.6 – Regulate mining and other exploitation of natural resources

Strategic objective 5: Promote maritime awareness and research

• Action 5.1 – Create awareness
• Action 5.2 – Conduct maritime research