Mission and context
Muanda Ocean Watch is a locally grounded research initiative advancing evidence-based coastal management, seafood safety, biodiversity conservation and environmental policy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
To generate rigorous scientific knowledge on microplastic pollution and marine biodiversity in the estuarine and coastal ecosystems of Muanda, then translate that knowledge into practical action for coastal management, food safety, biodiversity conservation and policy.
A Congolese Atlantic coast where scientific evidence, community knowledge and institutional collaboration combine to protect marine ecosystems, safeguard seafood resources and sustain local livelihoods long after the Ocean Decade ends.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has one of Africa's shortest coastlines, yet its Atlantic waters and the Congo River estuary support rich biodiversity and thousands of livelihoods. Until now, data on microplastic contamination, ecotoxicological impacts and marine invertebrate biodiversity along this coast have been critically limited.
Key areas
Understand and beat marine pollution through scientific knowledge on plastic and microplastic contamination in Muanda.
Protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity, focusing on zooplankton, molluscs, shrimps and other key invertebrates.
Support sustainable fisheries, food safety, public health and evidence-based environmental regulation.
Muanda sits at the mouth of the Congo River, a critical interface between terrestrial pollution and the Atlantic Ocean.
