Atlantic Partnership Marine and Blue Economy

Inadequate technological solutions and lack of coordination across Senegal’s marine and blue economy-related sectors have led to untapped economic opportunities, unsustainable fishing practices, plastic pollution, and environmental damage. To implement the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation Plan of Action and to bolster U.S.-Senegal relations, a selected implementing partner, in consultation with the U.S. Embassy Dakar, will launch the Marine and Blue Economy Hackathon. This two- to three-day event will bring together approximately 60 working-level government officials, private sector experts, academics, entrepreneurs, and students to crowdsource innovative technical solutions to marine and blue economy-related problems. The project will include a public outreach component to raise awareness and encourage collective action to conserve oceans and sustainably use marine resources.

Defining Problem Statements, Crowdsourcing Solutions, and Measuring Results

The selected implementing partner, in consultation with the U.S. Embassy Dakar, will define three marine and blue economy-focused problem statements. Problem statements should reflect local needs and the priorities established by the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation member countries including sustainable fisheries management, plastic pollution prevention, coastal community resilience, marine conservation, sustainable aquaculture management, “ghost gear” solutions, aquatic food technology advancement, ocean data and information gathering and analysis, and marine spatial planning implementation. The selected implementing partner will publicize the hackathon and also conduct a public awareness campaign aimed at educating and motivating communities to take collective action to preserve oceans and manage marine resources sustainably.

During the hackathon, participants will:

(a) translate multifaceted problems into succinct technical specifications and statements recognizable to software and technology designers; and

(b) form teams to generate actionable and innovative technical solutions to the shared problem statement(s).

At the end of the hackathon, a winner will be selected by a board of American and Senegalese judges for the “most innovative and impactful solution” developed, and a prize will be offered. After the hackathon, participants will then deploy the solutions they collaboratively design, leverage partnerships established with their counterparts across the sector, and closely coordinate with one another to ensure the solutions address the identified problems. Hackathon results can be measured by number and quality of targeted small-group sessions, the introduction of new tools and technologies, and creation of prototypes that address the problems hackathon participants tackle. The implementing partner should publicize the results of the hackathon and conduct a public awareness campaign to encourage public engagement to protect oceans and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.

In order to be considered, implementing partner applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusive participation. The selected implementing partner must reach out to potential participants from marginalized populations and communities, ensure balance among hackathon participants, and provide accessibility accommodations as needed.

Participants and Audiences:

This two- to three-day event will bring together approximately 60 working-level government officials, private sector experts, academics, entrepreneurs, and students to crowdsource innovative technical solutions to marine and blue economy-related problems. The public outreach component should focus on using traditional media, social media, and public engagement to raise awareness and encourage action around ocean conservation and sustainable marine resource management.