Kenya Successfully Hosts the Historic 11th Our Ocean Conference, Securing Global Commitments for Ocean Conservation and the Blue Economy
Mombasa, Kenya | 18 June 2026
Kenya has successfully concluded the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC), held from 16–18 June 2026 in the coastal city of Mombasa, becoming the first African nation to host the prestigious global conference on ocean conservation and sustainable development.
Held under the theme "Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future," the conference brought together Heads of State and Government, ministers, international organizations, development partners, scientists, private sector leaders, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), youth representatives, civil society, and ocean champions from across the world to accelerate action towards a healthy, resilient and sustainably managed ocean.
The conference celebrated the deep cultural, economic and ecological connection between people and the ocean while reaffirming the global commitment to protect marine ecosystems and promote an inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
Global Commitments for Ocean Action
The conference concluded with approximately USD 5.7 billion in new global commitments and investments to support marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience, pollution reduction, maritime security, and the sustainable blue economy.
Discussions focused on six major action areas:
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
- Sustainable Blue Economy
- Climate Change and Ocean Resilience
- Sustainable Fisheries
- Maritime Security
- Marine Pollution
A key priority throughout the conference was accelerating progress towards achieving the global 30x30 target—protecting at least 30 percent of the world's oceans by 2030 through strengthened financing, science, community participation and effective governance.
Kenya Demonstrates Leadership in Ocean Governance
As host nation, Kenya showcased its growing leadership in global ocean governance, marine conservation and climate action while highlighting the ecological importance of the Western Indian Ocean region.
The conference provided an important platform to promote innovative partnerships, mobilize sustainable financing, strengthen regional collaboration and elevate the voices of coastal communities, youth and Indigenous Peoples in ocean stewardship.
Kenya also highlighted its commitment to integrating biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and sustainable economic development through inclusive and locally led solutions.
Launch of the Blue Carbon Ecosystems NDC Implementation and Investment Plan
A major milestone during the conference was the official launch of Kenya's Blue Carbon Ecosystems Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation and Investment Plan by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng'eno, together with the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Fisheries and Blue Economy, Hon. Ali Hassan Joho.
The Plan represents a significant step in translating Kenya's climate commitments into practical and investment-ready actions by providing a comprehensive roadmap to:
- Conserve all existing mangrove forests;
- Restore 75 percent of degraded mangrove ecosystems;
- Protect 20,000 hectares of seagrass ecosystems;
- Promote sustainable fisheries and resilient coastal livelihoods;
- Strengthen climate-resilient infrastructure; and
- Expand carbon market opportunities.
The Government aims to mobilize approximately KES 80 billion in investments to support implementation of the Plan.
Once fully implemented, Kenya's coastal blue carbon ecosystems are expected to sequester nearly 9 million tonnes of greenhouse gases annually, significantly contributing to national climate mitigation efforts while enhancing biodiversity conservation.
To strengthen transparency and accountability, the Plan incorporates a national digital Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system and operationalizes the Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulations, 2024, ensuring that at least 40 percent of carbon project revenues directly benefit local coastal communities.
From Commitments to Action
During the closing ceremony, H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto emphasized that the success of the conference would ultimately be measured not by the commitments announced, but by their implementation.
The President called upon governments, development partners, the private sector and civil society to pursue innovative approaches that mobilize sustainable finance, leverage technology, strengthen institutional capacity and accelerate delivery of agreed ocean actions.
He noted that protecting the world's oceans requires collective responsibility and sustained collaboration to secure healthy marine ecosystems for present and future generations.
A Lasting Legacy for Africa and the World
The successful hosting of the 11th Our Ocean Conference has positioned Kenya as a leading voice in global ocean governance while placing Africa and the Western Indian Ocean region at the centre of international discussions on marine conservation, climate resilience and the blue economy.
Beyond the financial commitments secured, the conference has strengthened international partnerships, advanced practical solutions for ocean conservation and reaffirmed the indispensable role of coastal communities in safeguarding marine ecosystems.
As the world enters the second half of the critical decade for ocean action, Kenya's successful hosting of the conference leaves a lasting legacy of cooperation, innovation and shared responsibility to protect our ocean, preserve our heritage and secure our future.
