Addressing the risk of oil spills in the Western Indian Ocean
The Richness and Fragility of the Western Indian Ocean
Did you know that the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region is home to over 244 million people, a coastline stretching more than 15,000 km, and some of the most vibrant marine ecosystems on Earth? From critical habitats to rare, endemic and endangered species, this vast ocean area connects ten countries: Comoros, France, Kenya, Madagascar, Republic of Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
However, the WIO region, with some of the highest ship traffic, faces growing risks, including the possibility of catastrophic oil spills, such as the tragic MV Wakashio oil spill incident. In a region heavily dependent on its marine resources, the impact of such pollution is profound—not only for marine life but also for the people whose livelihoods are intertwined with the ocean.
Economic Growth and Ecological Challenges
The WIO is experiencing rapid growth. Large-scale projects such as ports, mining, and oil and gas exploration are transforming coastal areas. While these activities are crucial for addressing poverty and inequality, the question arises: at what cost?
The coastal regions of WIO are rich in natural resources and exploiting them helps boost national economies. Yet, unsustainable practices threaten the very ecosystems that communities rely upon for fishing, tourism, and biodiversity conservation. The dangers posed by oil spills — from vessels, oil exploration, and bulk transportation — are a significant concern.
The Threat of Oil Spills: A Regional Response
Accidental oil pollution could wreak havoc in the WIO. The grounding of MV Wakashio in Mauritius in 2020 served as a rude awakening, highlighting the unpreparedness of regional cooperation in responding to oil spills and the environmental, economic, and social damage that the spills can inflict.
Recognizing the benefits of coordinated efforts, countries in the WIO region have ratified key international agreements, such as the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response Convention and the Nairobi Convention’s Emergency Protocol. These agreements lay out plans for preparedness, response, and mutual assistance in combating marine pollution emergencies.
Preventing Oil Spills: A Regional Effort
To ensure preparedness, the Contracting Parties to the Nairobi Convention adopted Decision CP.10/6 on Oil Spill Preparedness and Response in 2021, focusing on a regional approach to build capacity, support contingency plans, and promote resource sharing.
Since then, the Nairobi Convention and partners have assisted countries in reviewing and updating national oil spill contingency plans, developing oil spill sensitivity maps, and drafting a regional coordination framework. This work effectively seeks to address the potential impacts of the growing oil and gas sector.
As noted by Dr. Tim Andrew, SAPPHIRE project coordinator, “the process was advanced further in Seychelles and Mauritius by providing support for the update and finalization of their National Oil Spill Contingency Plans (NOSCPs), along with the development of associated implementation plans and oil spill sensitivity maps in Mauritius”, exemplifying the Convention’s commitment to enhancing national capacities while promoting regional cooperation. He added that “plans are underway to support Comoros in a similar manner.” Moreover, the Convention has partnered with other regional organizations and stakeholders to conduct regional workshops on oil spill preparedness and response, generating a series of recommendations to strengthen regional collaboration further.
Options for Regional Coordination
Regional cooperation is essential to protect the Western Indian Ocean. An assessment led by the Nairobi Convention SAPPHIRE Project identified four potential options for a Regional Coordination Mechanism:
- Utilizing existing centres in Kenya, Madagascar, and South Africa.
- Leveraging the MASE Programme’s capacity in Madagascar and Seychelles.
- Establishing light secretariat arrangements within the Convention Secretariat.
- Creating a Virtual Collaboration Centre, providing a flexible and cost-effective solution.
The Nairobi Convention Secretariat could play a direct role in fulfilling Article 9 of the Protocol Concerning Co-operation in Combating Marine Pollution in Cases of Emergency in the Eastern African Region, which outlines requirements for regional cooperation. At the Eleventh Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP11) held in August 2024, the Secretariat was requested to collaborate with Contracting Parties and partners to finalize and implement the Regional Contingency Plan for Preparedness and Response to Marine Pollution Incidents within the Region (Decision CP 11/12.5). This would ensure that all ten Contracting Parties agree to work together to implement the Contingency Plan; an important stride forward for regional cooperation.
The Cost of Inaction
With thousands of merchant vessels, including oil tankers, traveling through the major shipping lanes that connect the Persian Gulf, Far East, and beyond, the risk of pollution in the WIO region is significant. Without proper planning and mutual support, a single incident could devastate ecosystems and economies. Pooling resources and sharing expertise allows the region to effectively combat oil spills, and ensure quick action during emergencies.
