Nairobi Convention Marine and Coastal News Round-up – 24 Jan 2022

Welcome, Nairobi Convention Member States, partners, and friends, to this issue of the Weekly News Round-up!

Do you have any events, research, or scientific publications on the Western Indian Ocean that you would like to be included in the round-up? Write to [email protected]!

ICYMI: Release of Special Issue 1/2021 on Socio-ecological Change in Estuaries of the Western Indian Ocean(WIO)

The special issue is based on research undertaken by the Estuarize-WIO project (2016-2019), funded through the Marine and Coastal Science for Management (MASMA) Programme of WIOMSA. The estuaries form part of the socio-ecological systems threatened by disruption of fresh water flow, local exploitation patterns and climate change effects.

Moyenne Island: The world’s smallest national park

Moyenne is one of the smallest of the Seychelles’ inner islands: it measures just 0.4km long and barely 0.3km wide, and its coastline runs for less than 2km. But by one estimate, Moyenne has more plant species per square metre than any other national park in the world. Every now and then, you may find your path blocked by one of Moyenne’s nearly 50 free-range giant Aldabra tortoises.

WIOMSA 12th Scientific Symposium 10 – 15 Oct 2022 – Submissions Open

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), the Sustainable Seas Trust (SST), and Nairobi Convention are pleased to announce the 12th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium, which in Port Elizabeth in October 2022 as a hybrid virtual/ in-person Symposium. The symposium will highlight insightful and inspiring presentations on the latest research results and key developments in the region.

Protecting coral reef connectivity found to be crucial for conservation efforts

In a paper published in the journal Science, a group of researchers has found that in order to save the world’s coral reefs, conservationists must also protect the corridors that connect them. They describe their study of coral and fish larval sources and sinks and the dispersal corridors promoting health and diversity in coral reefs.

Boost for war against plastic as international brands calls for global pact

Last week, over 70 signatories made the move in a joint statement weeks before Kenya hosts the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly. On estimate, about five trillion macro and microplastic pieces are in the ocean, making up 60 to 90 per cent of marine debris. Scientists have warned that there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans by 2050 unless people stop using single-use plastic items.

Scientists urge quick, deep, sweeping changes to halt and reverse dangerous biodiversity loss

More than 50 scientists from 23 countries delivered to governments a synthesis of the science informing and underpinning 21 targets proposed in the draft ‘post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework’. The framework is being negotiated under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and scheduled for adoption later this year at a world biodiversity summit in China.

Fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) 28 Feb – 2 Mar 2022

The UN Environment Programme’s United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) whose theme this year is “Strengthening Actions for Nature to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” brings together representatives of the 193 Member States of the UN, businesses, civil society and other stakeholders to agree on policies to address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

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