Nairobi Convention Quarterly Newsletter (January – March 2020)

1. Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the work of the Nairobi Convention
2. Strengthening Preparedness and Response to Marine Oil Spills in the Western Indian Ocean
3. On the ground glimpses into WIOSAP Demonstration Projects
4. Data and the Western Indian Ocean
5. Nairobi Convention States launch the updating of their Marine Ecosystem Diagnostic Analyses
6. Africa Regional Consultation for the UN Decade of Ocean Science

The main impacts expected are a re-scheduling of all activities and events planned for the 2nd quarter of 2020 that require face-to-face meetings and travel, both at a regional and national level.  In addition, internal processes within the Convention Secretariat and UNEP as a whole are expected to take more time during this period. In terms of work requiring travel or meetings, or on the ground interventions at a national level... » Read more

The risk of major oil spills, while significantly reduced over the last number of decades, continues to pose a significant threat to the fragile ecosystems and coastlines of states around the world. Preparation and cooperation is therefore essential to ensure a timely, efficient, and coordinated response to limit any damage from such a spill. One goal of the SAPPHIRE project is to address the potential impacts of the growing oil and gas sector.... » Read more

The WIOSAP project is supporting several demonstration projects in WIO countries to reduce land-based stresses on the Western Indian Ocean, with the aim of documenting national experiences and best practices that may be implemented elsewhere in the region. Read a few stories about these projects to get an on-the-ground glimpse into how Nairobi Convention states and partners aim to protect critical habitats, improve water quality, and manage river flows..... » Read more

If we want to effectively govern the Western Indian Ocean, we need to better understand it. Data from research has the power to tell us which ecosystems are most in danger, what mitigation measures are most useful, and where we should direct our resources. Such powerful knowledge will lead to the implementation of an informed, ecosystem-based approach to marine and coastal management. It will also inform the development of a dynamic and tailored Blue Economy strategy..... » Read more

The SAPPHIRE project is supporting countries to update their national Marine Ecosystem Diagnostic Analyses (MEDAs), prepared during the predecessor project of SAPPHIRE (ASCLME) in 2012. The MEDAs gather comprehensive information on the marine environment, socioeconomics, legislation, and ecological threats facing each country. They will serve as a baseline..... » Read more

In 2017, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2021-2030 the “United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development”. The upcoming decade represents a rare opportunity for the ocean community to join efforts, mobilize resources and create innovative partnerships to create a clean, healthy, resilient and safe ocean that is both sustainable and productive. The WIO region’s contributions are vital to ensuring the region’s needs … » Read more