The African Marine Conservation Organization (AMCO) works to protect aquatic wildlife and its habitats in Central Africa. By advancing scientific research and partnering with fishers, local communities, and other stakeholders, the organization promotes sustainable fishing practices and responsible stewardship of rivers, coastlines, and marine ecosystems. Its conservation programs support species including African manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, sharks, and rays.
Conservation Rooted in Community
AMCO’s long-term vision is an Africa where aquatic wildlife thrives in healthy, protected habitats alongside resilient local communities. Its approach recognizes that lasting conservation depends on the well-being of the people who share these environments.
The organization’s priorities include identifying and reducing pollution in Cameroon’s waterways, protecting riverside forests, and helping fishers explore alternative livelihoods, such as aquaculture and ecotourism. AMCO also seeks to strengthen collaboration among researchers and conservation specialists through a multinational African Manatee Network dedicated to protecting this often-overlooked species.
Connecting Communities Through Citizen Science
AMCO developed SIREN, a collaborative citizen-science platform that brings coastal communities, researchers, and conservation organizations together to monitor and protect aquatic wildlife. The mobile application simplifies the collection and use of field data, helping conservation teams translate observations into informed action.
By providing shared monitoring tools, SIREN allows conservation practitioners to focus on protecting wildlife rather than developing their own software. Its collaborative approach connects communities, nonprofit organizations, and governments as partners working toward a shared conservation goal.
