Capitalizing on the ‘Blue Economy’ – the idea that the sustainable use of ocean resources can lead to economic growth, improved livelihoods, and a healthy ocean ecosystem – has become a popular concept around the globe, and the Western Indian Ocean region is no exception. Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, and Tanzania have all undertaken initiatives, programs, or…
DetailsThe push for more evidence-based policy making The world is currently facing an unprecedented planetary crisis of pollution and waste, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Evidence-based management and policy decision making is critical to inform interventions to turn the tide. Marine scientists, researchers, and experts commendably and constantly publish papers and articles from their respective…
DetailsAt the 10th Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention, Contracting Parties to the Secretariat and Partners to develop an Information Management Strategy (IMS) for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, compliant with COP Decision 10.5. To this end, the Nairobi Convention is collaborating with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through the “Western Indian…
DetailsTowards a more sustainable fisheries sector in Comoros Located at the northern entrance to the Mozambique Channel, the Comoros archipelago has one of the most productive fishery industries in the Western Indian Ocean region. The Comorian fishery sector currently contributes 24 percent to the nation’s agricultural GDP and 7.5 percent to the national economy overall, according…
DetailsWe would like to inform you that Ms. Sinikinesh Beyene Jimma, who joined UNEP in 2018 as Senior Programme Management Officer, is now the new Portfolio Manager/Chief GEF-International Waters Unit, within the Marine and Freshwater Branch of UNEP’s Ecosystems Division, Nairobi. We extend our sincere thanks to Sinikinesh for her contribution in policy and strategy formulation, programme design…
DetailsThe BBNJ Treaty and the Regional Western Indian Ocean Governance In a convergence of marine and law of the sea experts, the Regional Ocean Governance Task Force and Support Team concluded a series of technical dialogues in October 2023, marking a significant stride towards shaping the regional Western Indian Ocean governance strategy. The crowning jewel…
DetailsReflecting into the future The WIOSAP Project held its sixth WIOSAP PSC in Nosy Be, Madagascar between 6-7 July 2022. The meeting provided strategic guidance for effective implementation of WIOSAP’s activities based on its Mid-Term Review (MTR) findings and recommendations. The sixth WIOSAP PSC meeting was attended by Nairobi Convention Focal Points, the WIOSAP project’s…
DetailsThe 2023 edition of the Marine Regions Forum has kicked off in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and will be running from 7-9 November 2023. This forum brings together stakeholders from the Western Indian Ocean region to provide a platform for these experts to present and deliberate on governance issues and recommendations that can effectively foster…
DetailsThrough Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and a Regional Information Management Strategy (IMS) Our oceans and seas are the planet’s largest ecosystem. As such, they play a huge role in influencing climates and are vital to our blue economies. As such, we should be obligated to use ocean and sea resources sustainably, for future generations. The…
Details
