MOMBASA: EMPHASISING regional cooperation in protecting oceans and the environment has been among the key agenda items presented by the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) during the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) held in Mombasa, Kenya.
The conference brought together government leaders, international organizations, research institutions, the private sector, and ocean environment stakeholders from around the world.
At the conference, NEMC represented Tanzania in high-level discussions and technical side events aimed at strengthening regional and international solidarity and cooperation in the conservation and sustainable management of ocean resources and coastal areas.
NEMC highlighted that cooperation among countries in the Western Indian Ocean region is crucial in addressing various challenges affecting the marine environment, including pollution caused by plastic waste, biodiversity loss, impacts of climate change, and the increasing underwater noise resulting from human activities.
The conference provided a platform for participants to discuss sustainable ocean management and the blue economy, including marine biodiversity conservation, fisheries resource management, control of marine pollution, blue carbon ecosystem systems, and strengthening resilience against climate change.
NEMC also reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to advancing integrated ocean management, environmental conservation, and the development of a sustainable blue economy for the benefit of present and future generations.
In addition, NEMC used the conference to promote the Tanzania Ocean Governance Forum, which aims to strengthen coordination, cooperation, and policy dialogue among government institutions, the private sector, research institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners in sustainable ocean governance.
Tanzania’s participation in the conference has further strengthened relationships and cooperation with various regional and international institutions involved in ocean affairs, environmental protection, and climate change.
Tanzania is currently the Chair of the Nairobi Convention Conference of Parties (COP) and is preparing to host the 12th Conference of Parties (COP12) at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam from October 6 to 9, 2026.
Tanzanian delegates were led by the President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, alongside representatives from the Vice President’s Office, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, NEMC, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries Zanzibar, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (Mainland Tanzania), the Marine Protected Areas Unit, and the Deep Sea Fishing Authority.