Introduction to the special section: Aquatic resources for a sustainable future and blue economy prosperity for the African Great Lakes region

Climate change, overfishing, pollution, and habitat degradation are no longer distant threats and demand our collective action. Rising to this challenge, the Aquatic Resources and Blue Economy Conference (ARBEC) held in Kisumu, Kenya served as a call to action for sustainable aquatic practices and protection of blue economy resources. The blue economy holds much promise yet as the global community faces unprecedented environmental challenges, it's potential hinges on our ability to make informed, science-driven decisions.