Mombasa, Kenya | June 24, 2026 —
Nine African governments announced new commitments to marine conservation at the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) in Mombasa, Kenya, marking a significant step forward for ocean protection and sustainable ocean governance across Africa.
The announcements were made on 16 June 2026 during a side event hosted by the Western Indian Ocean Consortium (WIO-C) OECM Working Group. The event also featured the launch of a new report, Pathways for marine OECMs in the Western Indian Ocean, designed to support a more equitable pathway towards the 30×30 target by formally recognising the role of coastal communities in conservation. The report, led by Dr Maya Pfaff (UCT Research and Consulting) and was developed collaboratively with members of the WIO-C OECM Working Group.
“Recognizing OECMs unlocks science, local leadership and regional collaboration. That’s how the Western Indian Ocean powers a resilient, thriving ocean, empowering coastal communities while aligning protection and sustainable use with shared contributions towards 30×30.” Louisa Chinyavu, Regional Programme Manager, Wetlands International Eastern Africa.
WIO-C brings together regional and international conservation organisations working across the Western Indian Ocean to support collaborative approaches to marine conservation and ocean governance. Through the OECM Working Group, partners are supporting countries to identify, assess, recognise and monitor OECMs, strengthen national reporting processes, and integrate OECMs into broader marine spatial planning and ocean governance frameworks. The OECM working group coordinates technical support and regional guidance on OECMs, and includes WCS (Chair), WWF (Co-Chair), IUCN, CORDIO East Africa, WIOMSA, TNC, Fauna & Flora, and Wetlands International Eastern Africa.
“By focusing on marine OECMs, we are recognising that coastal communities have been stewarding these waters for generations,” said Deidre de Vos, Marine Conservation Programme Manager at WIOMSA.
“Marine OECMs offer an opportunity to strengthen legal rights, capacity and financing for community-led conservation while contributing to global biodiversity goals,” said Eduardo Videira, Inclusive and Integrated Ocean Governance Lead for WWF’s South West Indian Ocean Programme.
“Governments and coastal communities will require support to translate these commitments into action. As regional partners, we stand ready to help guide that transition,” added Lenice Ojwang, Programme Manager, Marine and Coastal, Fauna & Flora.
Announcements made during the Pathways for Africa to 30 by 30 session included:
- Côte d’Ivoire committed to building a connected network of 6 new Marine Protected Areas, which will cover 20% of the EEZ and designed to maximize biodiversity, fisheries and feasibility.
- Ghana presented the recently gazetted Greater Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area
- São Tomé and Principe presented the recently gazetted Santana and Ilhéu das Rolas Marine Protected Areas.
- Gabon announced the launch of a marine spatial planning process aimed at achieving 30 percent ocean protection by 2027, to be supported by a blue bond financing mechanism.
- Mozambique reaffirmed its commitment to advance the National Marine Conservation Strategy through final review and towards implementation as a long-term framework for area-based ocean protection.
- Madagascar committed to converting five MPAs – Sorkay, Tandavandriva Nosy Be, Ria i Androy (Atimo Vatae), Baie de Diego, and Mer d’Émeraude – from temporary to permanent status, with gazettement anticipated by 2028.
- Comoros committed to protect 30% of Comoros’ EEZ by 2030, expanding highly protected marine areas to approximately 50,000 km².
- Tanzania formalized two significant milestones. The North-East and South-East Marine Conservation Areas off Pemba, Zanzibar – committed at last year’s UN Ocean Conference – have now been officially gazetted, together spanning 1,300 km² of mixed-use zones. Tanzania also committed to begin the process of designating Kilwa MPA, a proposed area of between 1,000 and 2,500 km² that would protect 180 km² of climate-resilient coral reefs, an Important Shark and Ray Area, and an Important Marine Mammal Area.
- Kenya committed to finalizing the country’s draft marine conservation, restoration, and governance regulations. The regulations will include provisions for the recognition and support of community-led Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), among other mechanisms, providing a clear pathway towards the 30×30 goal through inclusive conservation efforts.
The commitments announced at OOC11 reflect growing momentum across Africa to expand and diversify area-based marine conservation. Beyond increasing protection, they highlight a broader shift towards recognising community stewardship, strengthening governance systems, and embedding conservation within wider seascape management approaches.
As the esteemed chair of the WIO-C OECM group, Dr. Jean Mensa, Marine Program Director at WCS Tanzania, added: “At OOC, we have seen incredible momentum towards the 30×30 initiative, especially in Africa. As the WIO-C Working Group on Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), we aim to enhance governance and conservation in community-led marine managed areas. Recognizing these areas is a vital step toward 30×30 goals and presents an opportunity for inclusive and equitable conservation outcomes. Our Working Group is committed to supporting this process in the WIO.”
