From June 26-28, 2024, the city of Swakopmund, Namibia, played host to a crucial Regional Ocean Governance meeting, organized by the Nairobi Convention and the Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Directorate of the African Union Commission. The meeting brought together key stakeholders to address the urgent challenges affecting coastal and marine ecosystems. The meeting aimed to enhance shared learning and develop synergistic approaches to ocean governance across Africa. The event highlighted the critical need for integrated ocean management to ensure the protection and sustainable use of ocean resources. Discussions focused on harmonizing the Regional Ocean Governance Strategy for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region with the broader African Ocean Governance Strategy, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainable development through effective governance frameworks. Participants included representatives from African Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, Regional Economic Communities and Commissions, UNEP Regional Office for Africa, Nairobi Convention Focal Points, and the WIO ROGS Task Force, among others.
