Deep PTAs and Marine Biodiversity Conservation in Africa: The Role of Institutions

Camara Kwasi Obeng (), Michael Tutu Boadu () and Alhassan Abdul-Wakeel Karakara ()
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Camara Kwasi Obeng: University of Cape Coast, Department of Economic Studies, School of Economics
Michael Tutu Boadu: University of Cape Coast, Department of Economic Studies, School of Economics
Alhassan Abdul-Wakeel Karakara: University of Cape Coast and Center for Economic and Political Governance in Africa (CEPGA), Department of Applied Economics, School of Economics

Chapter Chapter 8 in The Blue Economy in African Coastal Communities, Volume I, 2026, pp 183-218 from Palgrave Macmillan

Abstract: Abstract This chapter examines the effect of marine environmental provisions embedded in Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) on marine biodiversity conservation in Africa, with particular attention to the moderating role of institutions. Using the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and a panel data sourced mainly from the World Bank, Deep Trade Agreements database, and the Sea Around Us database for 25 African countries from 1995 to 2019, the results reveal that PTAs, in the absence of environmental safeguards, are associated with a significant decline in marine biodiversity. However, the inclusion of marine-related provisions within PTAs mitigates this negative effect, demonstrating their critical role in supporting conservation outcomes. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these provisions is significantly enhanced by strong institutions. These findings highlight the importance of institutional capacity in translating trade-related environmental commitments into tangible biodiversity gains. The chapter offers novel empirical insights into sustainable trade-environment linkages in Africa and highlights the need for integrative policy approaches that align trade liberalization with sustainable marine governance.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-25364-4_8

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