Nairobi Convention sets strategic priorities for next decade

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Nairobi Convention has identified accelerating the regional blue economy, strengthening ocean governance and climate action, improving the science-policy interface and expanding partnerships as key priorities for the next decade.

Head of the Nairobi Convention Secretariat, Dr Jared Bosire, said the priorities aim to ensure the Western Indian Ocean remains healthy, resilient and capable of supporting sustainable economic development and coastal communities.

Dr Bosire made the remarks early this week during the official opening of the 12th Conference of the Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP12) in Dar es Salaam.

He said the Convention will accelerate the regional blue economy by harmonising marine spatial planning to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth while protecting the ecological integrity of the Western Indian Ocean.

It will also strengthen ocean governance and climate action through regional strategies to build ecosystem resilience, strengthen coastal defences and support climate adaptation for vulnerable communities.

Dr Bosire said the Convention will improve implementation by strengthening links between scientific research and policymaking.

“Translate science into impactful on-the-ground interventions, ensuring national policies translate to protected marine ecosystems and thriving coastal populations,” he said.

He added that the Convention will expand partnerships with private-sector leaders, youth advocates, research institutions and community organisations to increase funding and innovation in ocean conservation.

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Dr Bosire said the priorities reflect the Convention’s evolution over 40 years, from addressing coastal pollution to promoting integrated ocean governance and resilience across the region.

He said decision-making had increasingly embraced inclusive, science-based approaches, with research informing regional policies and national action plans.

“The theme for this year’s COP is a testimony of that evolution: Towards Sustainable Blue Economy in the Western Indian Ocean Region for People and Nature: A Journey of 40 Years,” he said.

Dr Bosire said the Convention’s achievements included developing regional frameworks and protocols supporting ecosystem restoration, protected-area management, marine spatial planning, improved water quality and coastal community livelihoods.

“This progress has been fuelled by strong partnerships with civil society, research institutions, regional economic communities and commissions, development partners and local coastal communities,” he said.

He said the Convention was increasingly focusing on influencing blue economy investments, making partnerships essential in turning environmental commitments into economic opportunities.

Dr Bosire commended Tanzania for its leadership as President of the Bureau of the Contracting Parties and for hosting COP12 and the Convention’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

He said Tanzania had set a new benchmark by mobilising more than 1,500 delegates, compared with about 200 at the previous conference.

The event has also featured a business forum, youth activities, more than 50 side events and exhibitions, a woman in blue economy event and ministerial dialogues.

“Tanzania has done it, done it big with excellence, set records that will challenge all future COPs,” Dr Bosire said.

He urged Contracting Parties to use the anniversary to renew their commitment to a resilient, healthy and prosperous Western Indian Ocean.

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