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Gulf of Guinea Ocean Sciences Summer School

Empowering the next generation of ocean experts for a resilient Gulf of Guinea

Oct 3 - 9, 2026 | ICMPA - UNESCO Chair, Université d'Abomey-Calavi (Benin)

EU-Copernicus-CopernicusMarine-implement

 With the support of 

The Gulf Of Guinea Ocean Sciences Summer School (GGOSSS)

The Gulf of Guinea Ocean Sciences Summer School (GGOSSS) is an annual summer school dedicated to oceanographic and environmental studies for students and early-career scientists from French-speaking countries of the Gulf of Guinea. The workshop aims to expand opportunities within data-driven ocean science, offering a platform to explore future research directions and foster collaborative networks among attendees.The program will enhance scientific knowledge in oceanography, focusing on a range of critical parameters such as sea level, temperature, salinity, biogeochemistry, and ocean circulation. It will also foster international collaboration in addressing the region's increasing vulnerability to climate change and environmental degradation. The school will bring together leading experts from around the world to offer hands-on training, workshops, and seminars, empowering participants to better understand and address the pressing oceanographic challenges faced by the Gulf of Guinea. ​​

 

GGOSSS is hosted annually in various French-speaking countries within the Gulf of Guinea, with each year’s location rotating to maximize accessibility, engage local communities, and addresses the unique coastal and marine challenges of each host nation. The inaugural summer school took place at the Faculty of Science of the University of Dschang in Cameroon August 25-29, 2025. It brought together 36 trainees and 12 instructors from six francophone countries of the Gulf of Guinea—Cameroon, Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Congo, and Senegal—for five days of intensive scientific exchange, practical workshops, and field activities.  The second edition will be held in Cotonou (Benin) from 3 to 9 October 2026 and hosted with the institutional and technical support of the International Chair in Mathematical Physics and Applications (ICMPA–UNESCO Chair, Université d'Abomey-Calavi), ensuring high-quality training facilities, logistics, and regional engagement. Cotonou is one of the most climate-vulnerable cities in West Africa, facing rapid shoreline retreat, recurrent flooding, lagoon–ocean exchange challenges, and strong anthropogenic pressures. This setting offers an exceptional real-world laboratory for applied coastal and lagoon oceanography.

Ocean
Vision

Empowering the Gulf of Guinea region with advanced oceanographic expertise, fostering sustainable management of marine and coastal resources, and driving innovation through the establishment of a dedicated Center for Ocean Analysis and Forecasting that serves as a hub for research, education, and actionable solutions to address regional and global environmental challenges.

Mission

The mission aims to build ocean science capacity, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and advance research to understand and address environmental challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. It focuses on sustainable development, integrating science into actionable policies, and empowering communities to adapt to climate change. By promoting regional integration and raising awareness through education and outreach, the mission seeks to conserve marine resources, enhance climate resilience, and drive sustainable growth in the region.

Ocean
Values

Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships and networks among scientists, institutions, and communities to achieve shared goals.

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Innovation: Advancing cutting-edge research and adopting modern technologies to address oceanographic challenges effectively. 

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Sustainability: Prioritizing sustainable practices and solutions that protect marine ecosystems and ensure long-term benefits for the Gulf of Guinea region.

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Inclusivity: Creating an equitable learning environment, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds and ensuring accessibility to ocean sciences for all.

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Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of scientific rigor, transparency, and ethical responsibility in our work.

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Community Impact: Bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and local action, ensuring that initiatives directly benefit coastal communities and the region as a whole.

Partners & Sponsors

The Gulf of Guinea Ocean Sciences Summer School (GGOSSS)  is organized with the support and funding of sponsors and partners. It is carried out in collaboration with a network of international and regional partners committed to advancing ocean science and sustainable development in the Gulf of Guinea. These partnerships provide expertise, resources, and support to ensure the program's success.

Current key partners and sponsors include:

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