
This document makes available to the signatory countries of the Abidjan Convention a guide to understand the process of describing Ecologically or Biologically Significant marine Areas (EBSAs) and helps them initiate an EBSA process. The document describes in detail the process of identifying and describing EBSAs based on the CBD reference documents, but also on case studies already initiated in the region. This guide also covers international initiatives in synergy with the EBSA process. Finally, the document contextualizes the process within the framework of the Mami Wata Project of the Abidjan Convention, including the links between EBSAs, Marine Spatial Planning, and State of the Marine Environment Reports.