From May 4–8, marine scientists, government agencies, conservation practitioners, and civil society organisations gathered in Mombasa, Kenya, for a workshop to advance marine conservation and biodiversity planning within the country’s Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) process.
The workshop, Advancing Marine Conservation and Biodiversity Planning for Kenya, comes at a critical moment as Kenya and other Western Indian Ocean countries work to translate global biodiversity commitments into practical national action.
The meeting was graced by Dr. Jacqueline Uku, National Coordinator of Kenya’s MSP process, and Susan Otieno, from the State Department for Fisheries and the KEMFSED Deputy Project Coordinator, and was officially opened by Paul Orina, CEO of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), whose opening statement was delivered by Harrison Ong’anda, Assistant MSP Coordinator.
“This process is not simply about allocating ocean space,” said Dr. Uku. “It is about ensuring that biodiversity, livelihoods, fisheries, climate resilience, and economic development are considered together within a shared national vision for our ocean.”
The workshop combined practical training on Systematic Conservation Planning (SCP) with biodiversity prioritisation exercises designed to support the integration of Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets into Kenya’s Marine Spatial Plan.
Participants worked with spatial data and conservation planning tools to identify ecologically important marine areas and explore how biodiversity priorities can be aligned with fisheries management, climate adaptation, and sustainable ocean development.
Susan Otieno emphasized the need for stronger coordination across sectors and institutions.
“Marine conservation cannot succeed in isolation,” she said. “Fisheries, biodiversity, climate adaptation, coastal development, and community livelihoods are deeply interconnected.”
The workshop brought together representatives from government agencies, research institutions, conservation organisations, and civil society groups involved in marine governance and coastal management.
As climate change, biodiversity loss, and competing ocean uses intensify across the region, Kenya’s MSP process is increasingly being viewed as a key tool for balancing conservation, development, and sustainable ocean use.
