GI WACAF sub-regional workshop, Dakar, Senegal

Organised and funded by IMO and IPIECA within the framework of the GI-WACAF project (for more information see www.giwacaf.org), the workshop focussed on the international claims and compensation regime and was aimed at encouraging better preparedness and response for West and Central African States. The workshop was run by Thomas Liebert, Head, External Relations and Conference Department, and Chrystelle Collier, Claims Administrator with assistance from ITOPF.

It was attended by some 80 francophone participants from nine West and Central African States (Benin, Cap-Verde, Congo, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania, Senegal and Togo). The majority of participants were representing government authorities, however, a large number of participants were Senegalese stakeholders representing the oil industry and the interests potentially affected by the consequences of oil pollution damage.

Since Senegal, the hosting country, had recently ratified the 1992 Conventions, joining the 1992 Fund with effect from 2 August 2012, the workshop also gave the Secretariat an opportunity to address the issue of the implementation of the International Conventions with Senegalese representatives but also with a number of other participating States. The workshop was very well received by the participants with active participation throughout.