Only 8.3% of the global ocean is protected, and just 2.8% of these areas are effectively managed—highlighting the need
not only for more MPAs but for stronger governance, threat management, and consistent compliance to avoid “paper
parks.” Effective enforcement is central to achieving ecological, socio
economic, and cultural outcomes.
With support from WIOMSA, WildAid, and the Blue Nature Alliance, the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region has advanced MPA resourcing and national enforcement systems through technical assistance and peer to peer capacity building. To continue this momentum, 19 marine managers and enforcement practitioners from eight WIO countries convened in February 2026 in Mombasa, Kenya for a WIOMSA-hosted Learning Exchange on strengthening Monitoring, Control, Surveillance, and Enforcement in MPAs. The gathering provided a collaborative space to share experiences, explore innovations, and deepen regional connections while confronting persistent enforcement challenges—remote geographies, limited resources and technology, weak governance, and low community engagement.
Read more about the training here.
