We are thrilled to announce that the 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium will take place from 28 September to 3 October 2025 in the vibrant coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya. This year’s theme, “One Ocean, One Future: Connecting People, Policy, and Science for a Thriving Western Indian Ocean,” reflects our bold commitment to working together across sectors, generations and geographies to advance ocean sustainability.
Anchored in the vision of the UN Decade of Ocean Science and the Ocean Decade Africa Roadmap, the Symposium centres on three dynamic pillars:
- Science as the Foundation for Decision-Making
- Policy as a Catalyst for Regional Collaboration
- Communities as Stewards of Sustainability
As we build momentum, we invite you to step forward as an Ocean Champion and shape our region’s narrative through the “One Ocean, One Future” Communications Campaign.
Why Join as an Ocean Champion? This is your opportunity to:
- Be visible – Share your voice, story, or imagery to elevate your profile in the Ocean community.
- Be heard – Influence how the Western Indian Ocean is represented on the global stage.
- Be part of history – Help ensure that #WIOMSA2025 to become known as the symposium that drove real change.
How You Can Participate:
- Short Videos: Record a brief personal narrative (2-3 minutes) about what inspires you in your work, your interpretation of “One Ocean, One Future,” your expectations for the symposium, and a call to action for ocean conservation and science for future generations.
Some tips for recording your video:
- Lighting: Choose a well-lit location where natural light is abundant. Position yourself facing a window or light source to ensure your face is illuminated.
- Sound: Ensure a quiet environment to capture clear audio. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
- Background: Select a simple, clear background that won’t distract from your message.
- Visual Content: If you’re in the field, share compelling imagery that captures the beauty and challenges of our oceans, inspiring action now and for the future.
- Personal Narrative: Share a personal experience (up to 600 words) highlighting the ocean’s impact, coupled with a call to action on why supporting “One Ocean, One Future” is crucial, which will be posted on the Symposium blog.
- Quote Card: Provide a brief key message whether it’s a statistic, an inspirational quote, or a personal testimonial that can inspire hope and foster a sense of community around the “One Ocean, One Future” Communications Campaign.
- Social Media Engagement and Connections: Make a post aligned with the campaign. Tag WIOMSA, KMFRI, and use #WIOMSA2025. Our Communications Team will amplify your message to a wider audience.
Ready to Dive In? Submit your contribution here. The sooner, the better! Early submissions will help shape our pre-symposium momentum.