Sustainable Seas Trust Reflects on 20 Years of Marine Conservation in Africa, Emphasizing Systems-Based Solutions
The Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) is reflecting on two decades of efforts to protect and conserve Africa's marine environment. Initially focused on understanding marine ecosystems, educating communities, and building scientific knowledge, SST's approach has evolved significantly. The organization now views plastic pollution and waste as a systemic problem rather than solely an environmental one, necessitating systems-based solutions. This shift has led SST to expand its work across the entire waste value chain, encompassing research, monitoring, education, behavior change, community participation, informal sector inclusion, municipal collaboration, and policy engagement. The organization emphasizes that lasting environmental change requires connected interventions that bolster the wider system, rather than isolated projects. This perspective was highlighted at the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, where discussions centered on the future of oceans and the need for partnerships that recognize and reinforce Af...
