The Western Indian Ocean is being degraded by activities that harm marine life, undermine coastal communities and negatively affect human health. These threats make it more important than ever for governments in the region to work together to strengthen protection of the ocean.
Administered by UNEP, the Nairobi Convention—signed by Comoros, France, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania and the Republic of South Africa — provides a platform for governments, civil society, and the private sector to work together for the sustainable management and use of the marine and coastal environment.
Integrated Management of the Marine and Coastal Resources of the Northern Mozambique Channel (NoCaMo) Project
African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Countries Capacity Building of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) project
A Partnership project for Marine and Coastal Governance and Fisheries Management for Sustainable Blue Growth in the Western Indian Ocean
The Western Indian Ocean Large Marine Ecosystems Strategic Action Programme Policy Harmonisation and Institutional Reforms (SAPPHIRE)
Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the protection of the Western Indian Ocean from land-based sources and activities (WIOSAP)
The Western Indian Ocean Governance Initiative (WIOGI)
The Nairobi Convention area extends from Somalia in the north to South Africa in the south, covering 10 African States.
The participating countries are:
The Conference of Parties (COP) is the decision-making forum of the Nairobi Convention where policies and strategies are agreed on to continue the protection, management, and development of the Western Indian Ocean. The Nairobi Convention’s 10th Conference of Parties (COP10) was organized by the Nairobi Convention in collaboration with the Government of Madagascar.
The Western Indian Ocean Science to Policy Platform (SPP) is a multi-stakeholder intermediary, bridging gaps between science, policy, and society in the WIO region. It supports Nairobi Convention efforts by integrating scientific evidence, fostering an understanding of environmental challenges, and facilitating evidence-based decision-making for sustainable coastal and marine development.
Empowering coastal communities In the ebb and flow of the Indian Ocean’s salty waters, a quiet revolution has been taking place, one centered around an unassuming sea creature —the mussel. These shellfish, equally at home in fresh and salt water, have captured the hearts and taste buds of many, earning their place as a culinary…
The Marine Regions Forum 2023, hosted by Tanzania and Seychelles in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, served as a collaborative platform for experts to exchange knowledge on ocean governance. The forum aimed to enhance cooperation and coordination, emphasizing practical strategies for sustainable practices. Topical Strands Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis: Addressed climate change, biodiversity…
On the second day of the Marine Regions Forum, stakeholders gathered to explore innovative ways to strengthen regional governance. In-depth discussions on co-designing sustainable ocean management and articulating marine spatial planning initiatives for co-creation of regional visions were the focus of workshop sessions centred on fostering a sustainable blue economy. The sessions focused on harnessing…
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The Nairobi Convention Clearinghouse – data and information for improved management and protection of the Western Indian Ocean
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