UNEP-Nairobi Convention

29/05/2026

🌊 This week, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania hosted three key regional meetings bringing together Nairobi Convention focal points, research institutions, partners, experts, and stakeholders in preparation for the 12th Conference of Parties ( ).

The meetings included:
▪️ The Forum of Academic and Research Institutions (FARI) Meeting
▪️ The GEF-9 Programme Development Stakeholder Consultation Meeting
▪️ The Focal Points and Partners Pre-COP Meeting

Together, these engagements strengthened the science-policy interface, advanced discussions on regional priorities and sustainable financing, and helped shape the draft agenda and decision areas for COP12.

The FARI meeting focused on regional science priorities, innovation, ocean governance, workforce development, and strengthening the role of research institutions in supporting ocean sustainability in the Western Indian Ocean region.

The GEF-9 stakeholder consultations explored programme development priorities, regional coordination mechanisms, national child projects, and collaborative approaches to addressing marine and coastal environmental challenges across the WIO region.

The Focal Points and Partners Pre-COP Meeting reviewed progress in implementing the 2025–2028 Work Programme and COP11 decisions, discussed regional frameworks and sustainable financing, and finalized draft COP12 agenda items and documents.

Together, the three meetings reinforced the region’s shared commitment to strengthening partnerships, advancing sustainable ocean governance, and accelerating collective action for healthier coastal and marine ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean region.

28/05/2026

🌊📘 Explore the latest edition of the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) and Nairobi Convention Partnership Project Newsletter!

The newsletter highlights how FAO, UNEP, the Nairobi Convention and partners are strengthening regional cooperation for sustainable coastal, marine and fisheries governance across the Western Indian Ocean region. From resilient coastal livelihoods and ecosystem restoration to community-based fisheries management and regional knowledge exchange, the partnership continues to support healthier oceans and stronger coastal communities.

📖 Read the newsletter here: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/8603bbde-6a4e-4d27-9b12-228102ee1166/content

FAO Kenya FAO Mozambique UN Environment Programme

28/05/2026

🌊Day 2 of the Focal Points and Partners Pre-COP Meeting in Dar es Salaam focused on advancing regional cooperation and sustainable ocean governance in the Western Indian Ocean region.

Participants discussed key regional frameworks and strategies on seagrass, mangroves, ocean acidification, marine spatial planning, and natural capital assessment, while also exploring sustainable financing mechanisms to support ocean action ahead of .

The day also featured discussions on draft priority decision areas for COP12, strengthening collaboration and collective action for healthier coastal and marine ecosystems.

28/05/2026

27/05/2026

🌊 The Focal Points and Partners Pre-COP Meeting has officially opened in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, bringing together Nairobi Convention focal points, regional partners, experts, stakeholders, and country representatives ahead of the 12th Conference of Parties ( ).

The meeting was officially opened by Dr.Richard Muyungi, Permanent Secretary responsible for Environment and Blue Economy in the Vice President’s Office of Tanzania. The opening session was also attended by Alberto Pacheco Capella, Chief of the UNEP Regional Seas Programme, and Jared Bosire, Head of the Nairobi Convention Secretariat.

Over the next three days, participants will review progress in implementing the 2025–2028 Work Programme and decisions adopted at the 11th Conference of Parties, share national and partner updates, deliberate on regional priorities for COP12 to be hosted by Tanzania, and strengthen regional cooperation for sustainable ocean governance in the Western Indian Ocean region. Discussions will also focus on regional frameworks and strategies, sustainable financing, and draft decision areas for COP12.

Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais

https://www.nairobiconvention.org/clearinghouse/consultative_meeting_dar_cop12

26/05/2026

Day 2 of the Nairobi Convention GEF-9 Programme Development Stakeholder Consultation focused on advancing discussions around the regional coordination project and shaping national child project priorities for the Western Indian Ocean region.

Participants:

✔ Consolidated recommendations from breakout group discussions

✔ Refined the regional coordination project structure and implementation arrangements

✔ Discussed alignment of national child projects with the Programme Framework Document (PFD) components

✔ Reviewed focal areas, STAR allocations, stakeholders, and co-financing considerations

✔ Presented country priorities and proposed next steps for project development

The meeting concluded with discussions on follow-up actions, timelines for national consultations, and the roadmap toward project document development.

https://www.nairobiconvention.org/clearinghouse/consultative_meeting_dar_cop12

📍 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

📅 26 May 2026

26/05/2026

🌊 (Forum for Academic and Research Institutions) is a regional expert network under the Nairobi Convention that brings together universities and research institutions across the Western Indian Ocean to strengthen science-based decision-making for sustainable ocean and coastal management.

Today in Dar es Salaam, FARI announced its new leadership.

Outgoing leadership: Dr. Yves Mong (National Research Center for Environment, Madagascar), Dr. Daniel Munga (Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya), and Dr. Margareth Serapio Kyewalyanga (Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania).

Incoming leadership: Prof. Bernerd Mulwa Fulanda (Pwani University, School of Pure and Applied Sciences) and Dr. Deepaka Kaullysing (University of Mauritius).

We thank the outgoing team for their service and welcome the incoming leadership as FARI continues advancing regional collaboration and impact.

🔗 https://www.nairobiconvention.org/clearinghouse/task-force-forums/fari

26/05/2026

🌊 The Forum for Academic and Research Institutions (FARI) meeting convened today in Dar es Salaam under the theme “From Knowledge Production to Regional Influence: The Role of FARI Toward 2030 and Beyond.”

The discussions brought together universities, research institutions, regional partners, and ocean experts from across the Western Indian Ocean to strengthen the science–policy interface and explore how research, innovation, and workforce development can better support ocean governance, biodiversity conservation, blue economy transformation, and regional sustainability priorities ahead of COP12. Participants also reflected on future scientific priorities, capacity development, regional collaboration, and the repositioning of FARI as a stronger regional science-policy and innovation platform.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.nairobiconvention.org/clearinghouse/consultative_meeting_dar_cop12

25/05/2026

🌊 Today in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the Nairobi Convention Secretariat convenes two important preparatory meetings towards the Twelfth Conference of Parties (COP12).

🤝 The Forum for Academic and Research Institutions (FARI) Meeting brings together scientists, researchers, and institutions to strengthen the science–policy interface and enhance the role of research in informing sustainable ocean governance in the Western Indian Ocean region.

🌍 The GEF-9 Programme Development Consultation Meeting is engaging regional stakeholders and participating countries in shaping priorities for the next Global Environment Facility (GEF-9) programme, supporting coordinated action on marine and coastal sustainability across the region.

These discussions mark an important step in building momentum towards COP12 and advancing regional collaboration for a resilient and sustainably managed Western Indian Ocean.

📍 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

🔗 More details: Nairobi Convention COP12 Preparatory Meetings

22/05/2026

🌊 Western Indian Ocean Marine and Coastal News Round-up | 22 May 2026

The latest edition of the Western Indian Ocean Marine and Coastal News Round-up brings you key updates shaping ocean governance, science, policy, and the blue economy across the region and beyond.

This week’s highlights include reflections from the NC@40 3rd Webinar on Science–Policy Action and Impact in Ocean Governance, alongside critical insights on marine conservation, enforcement in MPAs, blue economy investments, fisheries reforms, and emerging innovations in sustainable tourism and ocean finance.

From regional cooperation under the Nairobi Convention to global initiatives addressing marine biodiversity threats, this edition underscores the growing momentum toward inclusive, evidence-based, and sustainable ocean governance in the Western Indian Ocean.

Explore the full stories, upcoming events, research updates, and opportunities shaping the future of our ocean.

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