World gathers in Kenya for high-level talks on ocean protection

FAHID MOHAMED-PCO

As delegates from across the world gather in Mombasa and Kilifi for the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11), the event will represent more than a global conversation on ocean sustainability.

As the first African nation to host the conference since its inception in 2014, Kenya will provide a platform for mobilising investment, strengthening partnerships, and advancing practical solutions that support sustainable ocean development.

Over the past decade, the Our Ocean Conference has become one of the world’s most influential platforms for ocean action, generating more than 2,600 commitments valued at approximately US$161 billion.

These commitments have supported marine conservation, climate action, sustainable fisheries, maritime security and blue economy development.

Building on this momentum, OOC11 creates an opportunity to unlock new partnerships, financing mechanisms and investment pipelines that could mobilize more than USD10 billion in blue economy opportunities across Africa.

The conference aligns closely with Kenya’s National Blue Economy Strategy 2025–2030, which seeks to transform marine and inland water resources into drivers of economic growth, environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

At its core, the conference agenda reflects the six thematic pillars shaping the future of the global ocean economy.

The sustainable blue economy agenda will drive discussions on investment, innovation and enterprise development.

Kenya’s strategic position along the Western Indian Ocean, combined with ongoing investments in maritime infrastructure and logistics, places the country in a strong position to attract financing in sectors such as aquaculture, maritime transport, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology and ocean-based enterprises.

Growth in these sectors has the potential to create jobs, stimulate business development and strengthen regional trade.

Sustainable fisheries remain central to Kenya’s blue economy ambitions.

Investments in fish landing sites, coldchain infrastructure, aquaculture systems, value addition and digital traceability can improve productivity, enhance food security and support coastal livelihoods.

These efforts also strengthen the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, a challenge that continues to undermine marine resources and economic returns globally.

The ocean-climate nexus is another key area of focus. As climate change increasingly affects coastal communities and marine ecosystems, investments in mangrove restoration, blue carbon initiatives, coastal resilience infrastructure and ecosystem-based adaptation are becoming increasingly important.

Such interventions support climate mitigation and adaptation while protecting communities that depend on ocean resources for their livelihoods.

Marine conservation remains fundamental to both economic development and environmental sustainability.

OOC11 provides an opportunity to strengthen support for marine protected areas, coral reef restoration, mangrove conservation and biodiversity monitoring.

Healthy marine ecosystems sustain fisheries, tourism and coastal economies while contributing to global biodiversity goals.

The conference will also spotlight the urgent need to address marine pollution. Plastic waste and other forms of pollution continue to threaten ocean health and coastal livelihoods.

Advancing investments in waste management systems, recycling infrastructure, circular economy solutions and pollution monitoring technologies can help safeguard marine ecosystems and support cleaner, more sustainable coastal environments.

Maritime security forms the sixth pillar of the conference agenda.

Secure maritime spaces are essential for trade, investment and sustainable ocean governance.