Program

We are pleased to announce that a PDF of the conference program is now available! You can also download the Accepted Abstracts book for your information.

Registration

The registration desk will also be open August 4th at 5:00pm, the evening before the conference, if you would like to register and check-in to pick up your name badge and conference items.

Background

Food security and safety are high on the agendas of many international and national organizations, ranging from NGOs to the UN to International Financing Institutions. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the follow-up to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), aim at many things, including zero hunger and life under water (SDG 14), among others. However, this SDG 14 aims at seas and oceans only. Unfortunately Africa’s huge freshwater resources, including lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands, have been ignored. We believe it is high time to focus on Africa’s inland aquatic resources including African Great Lakes with respect to emerging Blue Economy and Blue Growth Initiative, and especially ecosystem services.

Thus, the over-arching theme for the GLOW 9 conference will be African freshwaters (see the Themes page for more info). This special conference will give scientists, fisheries professionals, biodiversity experts and limnologists the opportunity to share their thoughts on a special platform. Sharing experiences will enrich our knowledge on the freshwater sector all over the continent. Seven out of nine GLOWs have been convened in Africa and we are excited to convene the 9th GLOW in beautiful Kisumu, Kenya.

If you are interested in attending GLOW 9 and would like to receive updates and information, please fill out the Intent to Participate form.

The blue economy and the future Agenda for Sustainable Great Lake Basin Development

Ecological global development greatly depends on the strength of our blue economy. The future Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outline this prominent connection and ways to achieve sustainability in the next decade. The blue economy in Africa relates to the sustainable use and conservation of aquatic resources, such as lakes, rivers and groundwater. Many African countries have embraced the benefits and immense potential of these resources and are using them not only to further their social progress and economic growth, but also to safeguard the environment. When maintained, restored and protected, aquatic resources can contribute to sustainable and inclusive global development.