The Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU) relies, as much as possible, on assistance from existing international, regional, and national organizations and coordinating bodies.

The first meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Abidjan Convention (Abidjan, 18-20 April 1985) decided to accept the offer of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to host the Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU) in Abidjan. In compliance with this decision, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire and the Executive Director of UNEP signed a Host Agreement on 7 February 1996.

The RCU, as a cooperative and political body and in liaison with the Abidjan Convention Secretariat at UNEP:

1. contributes, through its support services and coordination provided, to the strengthening of programmes implemented in the framework of the WACAF Action Plan and to the sustainable management and use of natural resources of the region.
2. improves fund raising and liaison with bilateral and multilateral donors in the framework of the Action Plan sustainable development of the marine and coastal Environment of the region.
3. enhances the regional cooperation with other major projects and initiatives in the protection and sustainable development of the marine and coastal Environment of the region, including the Guinea Current (GCLME), Benguela Current (BCLME) and Canary Current (CCLME) Large Marine Ecosystem projects.
4. establishes and improves working relationships and cooperation with other UN and non-UN organizations on relevant projects and activities that contribute or complement those of the West and Central African Action Plan.
5. establishes a network of institutions in the countries of the region, to conduct related research and studies and set policies for addressing the environmental issues on the coastal and marine environment areas of the region.
6. improves liaison and subsequent cooperation with UN, Intergovernmental and Non-governmental Organization within the region, to enhance the implementation of the Abidjan Convention and its Work Programme.

The Status And Distribution Of The West African Manatee (Trichechus Senegalensis), And Proposed Regional Conservation Strategy

Summary

The West African manatee " Trichechus senegalensis " is included in the red list of the IUCN endangered species (vulnerable) and in Annex II of both Conventions on the International Trade in Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and on the Migratory Species (CMS).. There is a growing body of evidence documenting the decline of the species, which has been precipitated by 3 main factors;

1. The loss of the habitat, resulting from both climate change and human pressures (drought, exploitation of mangrove swamps and arches, construction of infrastructure).
2. The accidental capture of manatee in fishing nets and traps (still disputed as a major threat)
3. The continuation and intensification of traditional hunting and commercial poaching activities.

This study has been carried out by Wetlands International as part of the PRCM of " Conservation of the West African Manatee (Trichechus senegalensis), and as part of the cooperative agreement signed with the Abidjan Convention (UNEP).

This document can be divided into three main sections;

1. An overview of the natural history and distribution of the West African Manatee
2. Presentation of 16 Country Profiles, giving country-specific information on the current status of the manatee within those territories
3. Presentation of the Regional Strategy for the Conservation of the West African Manatee which has evolved through a consensus building process including a meticulous compilation of field data, a review of relevant literature and outputs from the First Forum on the Conservation of the West African Manatee (Dakar, Senegal, Dec., 2006) based on guidelines for strategy development set out at that meeting.

This report provides a current and comprehensive reference source for the status of the manatee in its natural range spanning from southern Mauritania southwards to Angola. The report further identifies the main threats to the species, highlights priority conservation actions as well as recommendations made by the countries of the sub-region. The purpose of the Regional Strategy is to improve policies and protective legislation, determine research priorities, reduce existing pressures on the manatee and enhance awareness of the value of the species.

Regional Coordinator for the Abidjan Convention.

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