T4D CRMD Coral Reef Monitoring for Djibouti

Location: Djibouti

Problem

The coral reefs of Djibouti, located west of the Gulf of Aden at the horn of Africa, are crucial for marine biodiversity and the food security of local populations, and are increasingly threatened by factors such as climate change, pollution, and human activities. However, the country lacks a proper monitoring system to track their health and implement effective conservation strategies.

Challenge

How can we establish a sustainable coral reef monitoring system in Djibouti, while reinforcing local capacity to maintain it long-term amidst socio-economic and political challenges?

Solution

The CRMD (Coral Reef Monitoring of Djibouti) project proposes to develop a scientific and technological solution to monitor Djibouti’s coral reefs. It includes training local scientists and conservationists, establishing permanent monitoring sites, and using innovative technologies to collect and analyze data. This project aims to be sustainable and will be driven by partnerships between public institutions, the private sector, universities, and civil society.

Impact

• Environmental: Protection of coral reefs and preservation of marine biodiversity, which is essential for ecosystem health and food security for coastal communities.
• Social: Job creation, training of young local scientists and conservationists, and strengthening community capacities for sustainable management of marine resources.

Team members

• Prof. Anders Meibom, EPFLProfessor, Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry
• Dr. Guilhem Banc-Prandi, Scientific director at the Transnational Red Sea Center and Scientist at the EPFL Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry
• Samuel Alain C. Donck, Science and Education Officer at the Transnational Red Sea Center and Scientist at the EPFL Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry
• Dr. Ibrahim Souleiman Abdallah, Researcher and Lecturer in Hydrobiology at University of Djibouti
• Dr. Rahma Hassan Abdi, Researcher at University of Djibouti
• Mohamed Houssein Farah, Marine Ecology Engineer, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Djibouti
• Djama Goumaneh Awaleh, Environmental Biologist and HSE Expert, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Djibouti