Djibouti, 6 October 2026 — Djibouti has established its HESBERSGA National Steering Committee (NSC), marking an important step in strengthening national coordination on sustainable blue economy priorities and marine ecosystem management.

The first National Steering Committee meeting was held on 6 October 2026 at the People’s Palace in Djibouti, convened by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD) in collaboration with the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA).

The meeting forms part of a series of national meetings being convened across the seven PERSGA Member States under the GEF-funded HESBERSGA project, “An Inclusive Approach for Harnessing Marine Ecosystem Services and Transforming to a Sustainable Blue Economy in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.” UNEP serves as the implementing agency and PERSGA as an executing agency.

The HESBERSGA project aims to support the seven PERSGA Member States in integrating the value of marine ecosystem services into national planning, strengthening marine protected area management, and promoting partnerships and sustainable financing for a resilient and inclusive blue economy.

The meeting was opened by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and brought together 19 representatives from key national institutions and stakeholder groups, including government authorities responsible for environment, fisheries, maritime affairs, and women and family affairs, as well as the Port Authority, Coast Guard, Navy, University of Djibouti, CERD, Chamber of Commerce, National Tourism Agency and fishers’ associations.

The PERSGA representative presented an overview of the HESBERSGA project, including its objectives, components, governance arrangements, and the activities planned under the Year 1 work plan.

The establishment of the National Steering Committee provides a national platform to strengthen inter-institutional coordination and stakeholder engagement and to support the implementation of HESBERSGA activities in alignment with Djibouti’s national sustainable blue economy priorities.

Djibouti joins other PERSGA Member States in establishing national coordination mechanisms under HESBERSGA, with further national steering committee meetings being held across the region during 2026.