CoastGIS CEO Dr Awa Bousso Drame, appointed to UN Ocean Decade Advisory Board

The newly constituted Board was chosen from a pool of over 300 nominations, featuring fresh global experts alongside five members retained for a second term. The 15 experts selected for the 2024-2025 period represent diverse sectors from over a dozen countries, including government, private sector, philanthropy, civil society, and the scientific community.

The UN Ocean Decade, spanning from 2021 to 2030, is a global initiative aimed at mobilising international cooperation to address the challenges facing the ocean. Led by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). The Decade Advisory Board serves as an advisory body to UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). Members are appointed for a two-year term and serve in their individual capacities. The Board : 

• Provides strategic advice on the implementation of the Ocean Decade
• Recommends the endorsement of programmes and Decade Collaborative Centres
• Comments on the consolidated performance of Ocean Decade Actions
• Contribute to assessing resource requirements for Ocean Decade Actions
• Serves as a platform for stakeholders from diverse sectors to collaborate, share knowledge, and implement solutions for a healthier and more resilient ocean ecosystem

As a native of Mindelo, São Vicente Island (Cabo Verde) and (Dakar, Senegal), Dr Awa Bousso DRAME is a Researcher in Ocean Sciences and GeoAI, brings a unique perspective rooted in the realities of African Island States (BOS/SIDS). She leverages her expertise to ensure that the challenges and opportunities of Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) are represented in global ocean governance discussions.

She joins a diverse and international team committed to creating tangible impact in ocean conservation, sustainable management, and policy innovation. Her appointment reflects her leadership in translating cutting-edge research into actionable solutions for governments and communities, and her dedication to advancing science for societal benefit. The Cabo-Verdean and Senegalese shared :

“Being appointed to the UN Ocean Decade Advisory Board is an incredible honor,” said Dr. Dramé […] I am excited to collaborate with international experts to shape strategies that drive positive change for our oceans, with a focus on inclusive leadership and the voices of Island nations.”

About Dr Awa

With over 10 years of international experience across 21+ countries, Dr. Awa Bousso DRAMÉ is a Cabo Verdean and Senegalese researcher at the forefront of Ocean Sciences, Geospatial Science, and AI. She is the Founder and CEO of CoastGIS Research Institute (Cabo Verde & Senegal) and a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the 2022 L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Award and Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 (2023).

Her expertise and leadership have earned her appointments to several high-level advisory roles, including the African Union Geospatial Program (Gender component, Women in GMES), the UN Ocean Decade Advisory Board, the UNESCO Youth Steering Committee & Grants Selection Committee, the UNESCO STEM Working Group, the IREX / US Department of State Selection Committee (Mandela Washington Fellowship), the Prince Albert II Foundation, as well as advisory positions with the Senegalese and Cabo-Verdean governments.

A passionate champion for Gender inclusion in Science, Dr. Dramé has designed and leads transformative STEM educational initiatives — GEN4STEM, Field2Lab, and Ocean4Kids Cabo Verde — which have reached 21 countries in West Africa and empowered over 450 women and girls to pursue science and innovation.

 
Learn more about Dr Awa Bousso DRAME’s profile and experience.

Read more about the United Nations Ocean Decade and the Appointed Advisory Board.