Countries have been challenged to accelerate the implementation of ocean protection commitments, strengthen international collaboration and integrate ocean conservation into climate policies as the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) officially opened in Mombasa, marking the first time the global event is being held on the African continent.
The historic conference, bringing together over 6,000 delegates including world leaders, policymakers, scientists and environmental advocates, was officially opened by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to working with other nations to safeguard the fragile ocean ecosystem from escalating environmental threats.
Prof. Kindiki noted that oceans are facing severe anthropogenic pressures, from the surface to the deep sea, driven by climate change, pollution and increased human activities, as highlighted in the recently released Third World Ocean Assessment Report of the United Nations.
“There is no doubt these extraordinary challenges continue to alter and undermine the fragile ocean ecosystem, threatening biodiversity and the livelihoods of people and communities that depend on the ocean. This state of affairs is unsustainable,” said the DP.
He added, “We must urgently restore ocean sustainability by moving from talk to accelerated action for greater impact.”
The DP also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the 30×30 target, which seeks to protect 30 percent of marine and coastal areas by 2030.
He indicated that Kenya welcomes the entry into force of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and is committed to promoting the fast-tracking of its ratification and implementation across the African continent over the next five years.
“Recognising that marine pollution continues to be a serious environmental, economic and public health concern, Kenya reinforces its commitment to global efforts to end plastic pollution through legally binding treaties that target the entire lifecycle of plastics.”
Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho said the ocean is facing unprecedented pressure from climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, unsustainable exploitation of marine resources, and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
He said the Government of Kenya is implementing deliberate measures to unlock the immense potential of its marine and aquatic resources while safeguarding them for future generations through sustainable and science-based management approaches.
CS Joho said the conference should serve not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a catalyst for measurable action and meaningful partnerships.
“The world expects bold leadership, practical solutions, and credible commitments that can accelerate ocean action,” he said.
He further challenged States to accelerate the implementation of existing ocean commitments, establish a Global Blue Economy Investment Facility for developing countries, implement blended finance mechanisms and increase ocean-related investments and climate financing.
The CS also underscored the need to create an enabling investment environment for the launch of blue bonds and other resource mobilisation strategies to support ocean investments.
Our Ocean Conference founder and former US Secretary of State John Kerry said the ocean provides immense benefits to humanity but is sending a clear warning that immediate action is required.
“The science is no longer warning us about a future problem. Science is describing the present reality,” said Kerry.
He noted that climate change has exacerbated the challenges facing the oceans and called for concerted efforts and political goodwill to address threats to ocean sustainability.
“The oceans can no longer be an afterthought in climate policy, as they have been. For decades, it has quietly absorbed our heat and our climate. Now it has to become central to our climate solutions that include protecting and restoring blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and coastal wetlands,” stated Kerry.
“These ecosystems can store several tonnes of carbon per hectare more than many terrestrial farms while also protecting coastlines, sustaining fisheries and sustaining the local economies,” he added.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the responsibility of protecting marine biodiversity rests with all nations, county governments and communities.
To reduce plastic pollution, he said, the County Government of Mombasa is managing waste generated by vessels and will soon launch a waste recycling programme that incorporates Beach Management Units.
by Sadik Hassan
