Accra: Coastal communities play a pivotal role in maritime security, according to Nana Kweigyah, National President of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG). Kweigyah emphasized the necessity for enhanced collaboration with these communities to protect marine waters during his recent participation at the Maritime Security Conference in Praia, Cabo Verde. According to Ghana News Agency, Nana Kweigyah highlighted the unique position of coastal communities in providing essential local knowledge and intelligence during the conference. The event, held on October 8-9, was organized by the International Maritime Organisation in collaboration with the Government of Cabo Verde, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, and the Atlantic Centre, supported by the German government. Themed "Maritime Security 2024: Innovations and Partnerships for the Future," the conference aimed to delve into expert knowledge, cross-sectoral collaboration, and innovative technology to tackle chal lenges in maritime security. Kweigyah stated that coastal communities could serve as a community-based early warning system and participate actively in monitoring and surveillance. He also pointed out their potential contributions to collaborative marine resource management and support in investigations and enforcement of laws and policies in the maritime sector. Furthermore, the CaFGOAG President urged maritime stakeholders to adopt human rights-based approaches in all maritime developments, stressing that the life and livelihoods in coastal communities heavily rely on healthy coastal and marine ecosystems. He advocated for inclusive collaboration and decision-making, capacity building and training, policy support for coastal sustainability, incentives for local initiatives, and private sector investment in technologies. Kweigyah called for direct support to coastal communities to strengthen their collective social capital, thereby enhancing global maritime security. He also encouraged maritime stakeholde rs to commit to the Rules of Conduct for Working with Small Scale Fishers and Fish Workers, which aim to foster true partnerships and address potential injustices such as dispossession, displacement, and marginalization, particularly of women. The Landing Beach Enforcement Committee initiative, he mentioned, represents a positive effort towards promoting fishermen's participation in essential maritime activities, aligning with broader security and sustainability goals.