In September 2023, an intrepid team of environmental stewards embarked on a transformative odyssey along the coasts of Boeny and Sofia regions in Madagascar. They sought to assess and engage with local communities on mangrove conservation, restoration and explore blue carbon market initiatives for the sustainability of coastal marine biodiversity in the country. The team…
The Nairobi Convention for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) and the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions have joined forces to combat the escalating problem of marine litter, with a specific focus on plastics and associated chemicals in the WIO region. This partnership aims to equip WIO countries with improved capacity to implement the legally…
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…
A historic event saw the Nairobi Convention Contracting Parties unanimously agree to, adopt, and sign the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Protocol for the Western Indian Ocean after thirteen years of dedicated negotiations. This unfolded at a Conference of Plenipotentiaries held on 11-12 September 2023 in the picturesque Antananarivo, Madagascar, and followed four intergovernmental negotiation…
The Northern Mozambique Channel is a region of remarkable biodiversity, endowed with vital habitats and serving as a sanctuary for marine and migratory species. However, the tranquility of this natural haven is under threat from urban development, oil and gas extraction, population growth, land-based pollution, and the impacts of climate change. To safeguard valuable resources…
This article was featured in the June 2023 WIOMSA Newsbrief. Download File PDF Loading…
Ports play a crucial role in the global economy as they facilitate the transportation of 90% of global trade and deliver numerous goods that we use every day. However, unsustainable port development can pose severe threats to coastal ecosystems and the goods and services that they provide. Ports are known to cause significant pollution due…
Healthy and productive ecosystems of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) are crucial for supporting coastal and marine fisheries which are vital for economic growth, livelihoods, and food security. Protecting critical habitats is key to safeguarding these ecosystems. Secondly, effective coordination, collaboration, and knowledge sharing between fisheries and environmental governance systems are essential to address the…
Coral reefs in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region are approximately 6% (about 15, 180 km2) of the global coral reef coverage. The region is considered an important coral reef biodiversity hotspot. Coral reefs are vital for economic activities and coastal communities due to their role in supporting sustainable fisheries for communities (estimated at US$…