OUR OCEAN CONFERENCE(OOC 11)
OUR OCEAN, OUR HERITAGE, OUR FUTURE
The conference comes to Africa for the first time in June 2026. This historic moment presents an opportunity for Africa to help shape a more inclusive, accountable and action oriented ocean agenda.
Guided by the theme "Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future," the 2026 conference aims to move the global ocean agenda from dialogue to delivery — uniting governments, communities, innovators, and businesses to place jobs, equity, and healthy oceans at the center of international cooperation. Its specific objectives are to engage the private sector and deliver blue economy investment, empower young ocean leaders, catalyze ocean finance, combat illegal and unreported fishing, and advance marine conservation efforts that deliver on both climate and 30x30 goals.
Bringing the Our Ocean Conference to Mombasa is a recognition long overdue. The African coast, and the Western Indian Ocean in particular is home to some of the world's most biodiverse and most vulnerable marine ecosystems. The communities here are among the most dependent on ocean health for their food, livelihoods, and futures. Hosting OOC on African soil places those realities at the centre of the global conversation, where they have always belonged.
KEY THEMES
Marine Protected Areas
Pathways to achieving 30x30 and protecting the High Seas
Well-designed and effectively managed Marine Protected Areas support biodiversity, climate resilience, and coastal livelihoods. OOC11 will highlight pathways to expand and strengthen MPAs, accelerate progress toward the global 30×30 target, and encourage cooperation on High Seas protection.
KEY THEMES
Sustainable Blue Economy
Unleashing the potential of the blue economy through investment and finance
The blue economy is a vital source of jobs, food security, and economic opportunity across Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. OOC11 will promote investment in sustainable blue industries, encourage innovation and ocean-based entrepreneurship, and strengthen pathways for inclusive growth.
KEY THEMES
The Ocean-Climate Nexus
Driving ambitious ocean-climate action to support global climate goals
Ocean climate action is critical for coastal nations that face rising temperatures, sea level rise, and extreme weather. OOC11 will spotlight the roles of blue carbon ecosystems, nature-based resilience, and climate finance in supporting adaptation efforts and strengthening coastal communities.
KEY THEMES
Sustainable Fisheries
Combatting IUU through community-led solutions and science-based management
Sustainable and equitable fisheries management is essential for food security and economic stability. OOC11 will advance efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, promote science-based management, and protect the rights and livelihoods of artisanal and small-scale fishers.
KEY THEMES
Marine Pollution
Tackling plastics, from micro to macro
Marine pollution, particularly plastic pollution from microplastics to larger debris, continues to threaten ecosystems, coastal health, and economies. OOC11 will highlight pathways to reduce plastics at source, strengthen circular and community-driven solutions, and support continued global cooperation toward a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution.
KEY THEMES
Maritime Security
Building national and global capacity for effective maritime domain awareness
Safe and secure seas underpin sustainable blue growth and regional stability. OOC11 will support cooperation to address maritime crime, strengthen monitoring and information sharing, and promote coordinated action across the Western Indian Ocean.
WIO-C at the Our Ocean Conference
The Consortium for the Conservation of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO-C) consists of regional and international NGOs working in marine conservation across 10 countries. Countries: Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, French Republic, Mozambique, Comoros, and South Africa.
WIO-C was established in 2007 under the UN Nairobi Convention with the main purpose of advancing efforts to protect, conserve, and manage the coastal and marine environment of the Western Indian Ocean region while working to alleviate poverty and attain sustainable livelihoods for the most vulnerable segments of its population.
Its members include EAWLS, WIOMSA, Nairobi Convention, WWF, IUCN, Conservation International, Fauna & Flora, Blue Ventures, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bird Life International, Wetlands International, CORDIO East Africa, IFAW, IOI, Afri Seas Blue, Nature Alliance, WorldFish, Abalobi, COI, and NEPAD.
WIO-C is playing a central coordinating role in strengthening civil society engagement ahead of the Our Ocean Conference 2026 in Kenya and COP 12 in October 2026.
The consortium is currently focusing on six thematic areas: Marine Pollution, Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), Fisheries, Sea Grass, Blue Finance, and Biodiversity Beyond Natural Jurisdiction.
Make your commitment
The people of the Western Indian Ocean have spoken. Their stories are on these pages, their struggles, their knowledge, and their love for a sea that feeds and sustains millions. Now it is your turn. A commitment made here is a voice added to one of the most important ocean conversations of our generation.
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