Tanzania has reinforced its position as a regional leader in ocean conservation and sustainable blue economy development after participating in the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11), a major global gathering on marine and coastal sustainability held in Mombasa, Kenya.
The National Environment Management Council (NEMC), representing Tanzania, joined government leaders, international organizations, research institutions, civil society groups and private sector stakeholders from across the world to discuss solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing oceans and coastal ecosystems.
The conference focused on advancing sustainable ocean governance, protecting marine biodiversity, combating climate change, promoting sustainable fisheries, reducing marine pollution and strengthening blue carbon ecosystems that play a critical role in absorbing greenhouse gases.
During high-level discussions and technical sessions, Tanzania highlighted its commitment to integrated ocean management, environmental protection and climate resilience, while advocating for a sustainable blue economy that balances conservation with economic growth.
NEMC stressed the need for stronger cooperation among countries in the Western Indian Ocean region to address emerging threats to marine ecosystems.
Among the key concerns raised were microplastic pollution, biodiversity loss, climate change impacts and increasing underwater noise generated by shipping, fishing and other human activities.
The council also used the platform to promote the Tanzania Ocean Governance Forum, a national initiative designed to strengthen coordination and policy dialogue among government institutions, researchers, development partners, civil society organizations and the private sector involved in ocean management.
According to NEMC, the conference provided an opportunity to deepen Tanzania’s partnerships with regional and international institutions working on marine conservation, environmental sustainability and climate action.
Tanzania’s participation comes at a significant time as the country currently chairs the Conference of Parties (COP) to the Nairobi Convention, the regional legal framework for protecting and managing the marine and coastal environment of the Western Indian Ocean.
The country is also preparing to host the 12th Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP12), scheduled to take place at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam from October 6 to 9, 2026.
NEMC said preparations for the event are progressing in collaboration with the Vice President’s Office, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and other stakeholders, with the aim of delivering a successful conference and further showcasing Tanzania’s leadership in ocean and environmental governance.
The council expressed appreciation to the Vice President’s Office, the Nairobi Convention Secretariat and development partners for supporting Tanzania’s participation in the Mombasa conference.
The Tanzanian delegation was led by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi and included representatives from the Vice President’s Office, the Office of the First Vice President of Zanzibar, NEMC, the Zanzibar Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Marine Protected Areas and Reserves Unit and the Deep Sea Fishing Authority.
As global concern over the health of oceans continues to grow, Tanzania’s active engagement in international forums reflects its ambition to play a greater role in shaping regional and global policies aimed at protecting marine resources while unlocking sustainable economic opportunities for coastal communities.
