Western Indian Ocean Coral Reef Task Force Workshop

The regional coral reef networks in the Western Indian Ocean have been active since 1999, coordinating and reporting on coral reef monitoring activities through the Nairobi Convention Coral Reef Task Force (CRTF), and the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN), with support from multiple sources.

The Nairobi Convention CRTF was established by the third meeting of the Conference of Parties of the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management, and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Western Indian Ocean (COP3) in 2001. The decision led to the establishment of a Coral Reef Task Force in 2002 to coordinate work on coral reefs throughout the region, and in 2004 national bodies were constituted to coordinate coral reef activities, action plans, and strategies within each country. At the fourth meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP4) in 2004, contracting Parties resolved to strengthen further the coordination structure of the Coral Reef Task Force, as well as the national coral reef task forces, and enhance their linkages with national focal points.

With a renewed focus on scientific support to policy through the Science-Policy Platform of the Nairobi Convention and the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in December 2022, a new phase of activity is being initiated with support from the Nairobi Convention. This workshop will revitalize and enhance the capacities of the national coral reef task force (NCRTF) members for the integrated management of coral reefs and associated ecosystems, monitoring and reporting on ecosystem health.

1. 1. Concept Note and Agenda
2. 2. Regional Marine Spatial Planning (MSP ) Technical Working Group- Terms of Reference
3. 3. First Western Indian Ocean (WIO) MSP Technical Working Group – Meeting Report