In February 2026, nineteen marine managers from eight Western Indian Ocean (WIO) countries convened in Mombasa, Kenya, for a landmark Learning Exchange hosted by WIOMSA, WildAid, and the Blue Nature Alliance.
The primary objective of the gathering was to elevate Monitoring, Control, Surveillance, and Enforcement (MCS&E) to ensure marine protected areas achieve their ecological and socio-economic goals. To prevent the creation of “paper parks,” participants focused on peer-to-peer learning, exploring platforms such as EarthRanger, remote vessel monitoring, satellite systems, and MPA Policy tools.
The exchange yielded highly actionable and collaborative outcomes. Each nation utilized a diagnostic “RADAR” tool to develop a strategic “Sail Plan,” mapping out localized MCS&E assets, risks, and targeted pathways for improvement. Equally important, the participants built alliances and learned from diverse national experiences, enhancing regional understanding and capacity for effective fisheries and MPA management.
