The Nairobi Convention and the SouthWest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the sustainable management of coastal and marine environment and fishery resources in the Western Indian Ocean region. The MoU seeks to enhance collaboration to support member countries of the Nairobi Convention and SWIOFC in their commitment to the sustainable management of the Western Indian Ocean Region.

A new partnership project between the Nairobi Convention and SWIOFC (dubbed Envirofish-WIO), funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (through the FAO of the United Nations, is set on promoting ecosystem-based management plans for the coastal and marine environment, capacity development, coordination, collaboration, co-management, and integrated ocean governance, contributing to improved resilience, food security, and transformation of livelihoods in the participating countries of Tanzania, Mozambique, and Kenya.

Project Site Selection

The one-year inception phase of the Environfish-WIO project began in March 2023 after the project secured funding from SIDA some three months earlier. The 4-year Environfish project runs from 2024-2027. Stakeholder mapping and site selection missions have been conducted in Mozambique (June 2023), Tanzania (December 2023) and Kenya (March 2024).  The extensive week-long consultations with stakeholders and community members in Kenya were held in the Counties of Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, and Tana River to strategize on required partnerships, promote collaboration between fisheries and environmental sectors, and encourage a broader local-level stakeholder engagement.

Speaking at the start of the mission in Mombasa, Mr. Emmanuel Nzai, Chief Executive Officer, Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani, noted the significance of involving the coastal communities, fisherfolks, and all stakeholders impacted by climate change and mainstream adaptation and mitigation measures.

During the site selection mission, a tailor-made questionnaire was administered across the counties. It was established that Community-Based Organizations and partnerships with organizations active in the coastal and marine environment played a crucial role in advancing conservation efforts and sustainable development amongst coastal communities in Kenya. Analysis of the questionnaire will yield two highly ranked sites where the Environfish-WIO project will be implemented.

The Environfish-WIO project is a Partnership project between SWIOFC and the Nairobi Convention to promote resilient marine and coastal ecosystems and livelihoods in Kenya. The project aims to improve the fisheries-environment interactions and promote sustainable ocean governance in the country.

For more information about the Environfish-WIO project, contact – [email protected]