The West and Central Africa Elasmobranch Conservation (WCAEC) Coalition Meeting 2026 will bring together coalition members from across West and Central Africa and beyond for three days of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic planning dedicated to the conservation of sharks, rays, and their habitats.

Taking place from 23–25 August 2026 in Casablanca, Morocco, the meeting will provide an important opportunity for coalition members to strengthen partnerships, share achievements and lessons learned, identify regional priorities, and coordinate collective actions for the year ahead.

The program will feature:

• Updates from coalition members on ongoing initiatives and conservation efforts;

• Technical presentations and knowledge-sharing sessions;

• Interactive workshops and facilitated discussions;

• Strategic planning for future coalition activities;

• Networking opportunities with partners, researchers, practitioners, and conservation stakeholders.

Participants will be accommodated at the Courtyard by Marriott Casablanca Downtown.

Linked with the ISRA Region 6 | African Atlantic Workshop

The Coalition Meeting will be held immediately before the ISRA Region 6 | African Atlantic Workshop, creating valuable opportunities for engagement across the wider marine conservation community.

The first two days of the Coalition Meeting (23–24 August) will focus exclusively on coalition activities. On 25 August, coalition participants will join the opening day of the ISRA workshop, allowing them to connect with a broader network of regional experts and stakeholders working to advance marine biodiversity conservation in the African Atlantic region.

Participants who have been separately invited to attend the ISRA workshop will continue their participation through 26–27 August 2026. All other Coalition Meeting participants will depart on the evening of 25 August.

We look forward to welcoming coalition members to Casablanca for an inspiring and productive gathering that will help shape the next phase of regional collaboration for shark and ray conservation across West and Central Africa.