The past year marked significant growth for WIOMPAN. The flagship WIOMPAN Exchange Programme provided hands-on, site-based learning across MPAs, LMMAs, and co-managed areas, captured in a regional video that showcased powerful peer-to-peer learning. Practitioners reported improvements in enforcement, ecological monitoring, tour guiding, and community engagement, demonstrating the value of practitioner-led knowledge transfer.
WIOMPAN and WIO-COMPAS strengthened their international visibility through participation in the World Ranger Congress, delivery of multiple sessions at UNOC 3, and the rollout of the 30×30 Systems Workshop in South Africa, which advanced systems-informed capacity development across the region.
The region also achieved major milestones with the LMMA Competency Framework, validated and piloted across 12 sites, and the expansion of WIO-COMPAS certification into Portuguese and French-speaking countries.
Country Snapshots
Kenya
Kenya delivered one of the most active WIOMPAN programmes in 2024–2025, hosting three major exchanges involving Kuruwitu, Kiunga, Watamu, and the South Coast sites. These exchanges strengthened governance in BMUs and improved collaboration between communities and MPAs. Kenya also advanced IUCN Green List readiness, gazetted the Kiunga MNR Management Plan, and contributed strongly to ranger professionalisation through its prominent role at the African Ranger Congress. Priorities ahead include developing a national conservation database, an online management plan repository, and new adaptive management tools.
Mozambique
Mozambique made major strides through LMMA Competency Framework implementation, the first Portuguese WIO-COMPAS L2 event, and national exchanges including a Seychelles–Mozambique visit. Awareness was boosted through MPA Day celebrations and a new national documentary. Two notable national achievements were the launch of the LMMA Database and Maputo National Park’s UNESCO World Heritage inscription. Looking forward, Mozambique will continue certification events, foster exchanges, and strengthen science–policy engagement.
Comoros
Comoros strengthened its network of four MPAs and advanced progress toward a national goal of designating 30% of its waters as protected areas, including plans for an offshore MPA. Quarterly WIOMPAN meetings, advocacy campaigns, and participation in the Comoros Ocean Festival elevated visibility. The chapter aims to formalise LMMA/OECM frameworks and establish annual in-country WIOMPAN meetings.
South Africa
South Africa’s newly formalised chapter, SAMPAN, demonstrated strong institutional collaboration across DFFE, SANParks, CapeNature, iSimangaliso, municipalities, and NGOs. Highlights included 50+ MPA Day events, sustainable finance assessments for MPAs, and the development of new co-designed training incorporating customary governance. Priorities include operationalising the national 30×30 plan, piloting OECM recognition, completing the national MPA Management Framework, and conducting biodiversity value assessments.
Tanzania
Tanzania progressed significantly in strengthening its national WIOMPAN structure through an Interim Secretariat and a national stakeholder meeting. The chapter is delivering its Road Map, with progress in IUU enforcement, coral and mangrove restoration, and diver training (Rescue Divers, Dive Master, Eco Diver). Participation in a bilateral LMMA/OECM exchange with Kenya further deepened regional coordination. Upcoming priorities include finalising the District Marine Reserve General Management Plan and convening the 2025 WIOMPAN Annual Meeting.
Réunion (France)
Réunion and TAAF highlighted the extraordinary biodiversity of the Réunion Marine Nature Reserve and the Eparse Islands. Their strengths in coral reef monitoring, biosecurity, Green List processes, and post-cyclone response offer valuable expertise for regional exchanges. Upcoming priorities include climate-focused research and increased regional engagement.
Seychelles
Seychelles highlighted its role as host of the 2025 WIOMPAN Exchange, coordinated by SPGA. The exchange emphasised sustainable financing, EarthRanger use, IMET, drone-based monitoring, scientific surveys, and ranger operations. Field visits to Curieuse and Ste Anne provided practical learning across diverse marine habitats.
Madagascar
Madagascar continues to lead in LMMA innovation, with over 280 LMMAs and 22 MPAs. Key achievements included the LMMA Reference Guide, the national LMMA Portal (200+ sites), the EbA LMMA Portal, new training modules, and additional WIO-COMPAS certifications. Madagascar is now piloting LMMA and OECM assessments at 30 sites and exploring long-term financing mechanisms through the GBF Fund, Biodiversity Plan 30×30, PFP initiatives, and community funds. The chapter emphasised expanding South–South exchanges and strengthening technical partnerships.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 WIOMPAN Regional Meeting affirmed WIOMPAN’s growing role as the WIO’s central platform for practitioner-led learning and coordinated action. As national chapters continue to mature—and new ones emerge in Mauritius and Somalia—the region moves closer to building a connected, skilled, and resilient marine conservation workforce capable of delivering on the ambitions of 30×30.
WIOMPAN’s leadership, grounded in shared experience and strong regional ties, ensures that practitioners remain at the heart of marine conservation efforts across the Western Indian Ocean.
