Ocean leaders from governments, civil society, science, investment, youth networks, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, and the private sector are gathering in Mombasa, Kenya, for the Regenerative Ocean Forum ahead of Africa’s first Our Ocean Conference. The forum is focused on advancing practical solutions to ocean degradation, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, climate impacts, and the need for more sustainable and inclusive blue economy development.
The Western Indian Ocean is the host region for the 11th Our Ocean Conference and is home to globally important marine biodiversity, productive coastal ecosystems, and millions of people whose livelihoods, food security, and economic well-being depend on a healthy ocean. The region is increasingly being recognised as a centre for innovation, partnerships, and locally led ocean action that can offer scalable lessons for global ocean protection and resilience.
The Regenerative Ocean Forum builds on the momentum of the first Regenerative Ocean Week held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 2025. That event brought together ocean leaders, investors, innovators, policymakers, researchers, and communities around a shared vision for a regenerative blue economy. One year later, stakeholders are reconvening in Kenya to strengthen collaboration, showcase emerging solutions, and accelerate action before the official opening of the 11th Our Ocean Conference.
The forum comes at a critical time as countries and communities search for solutions that can address climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, pollution reduction, and sustainable development together. Discussions are focusing on ocean governance, regenerative blue economy models, finance and investment, circular economy systems, ecosystem restoration, inclusive livelihoods, Indigenous and local community leadership, and regional cooperation across the Western Indian Ocean.
IUCN representatives emphasised that solutions already exist across governments, communities, businesses, and partner organisations, but implementation must be accelerated. The key challenge is to strengthen collaboration, mobilise investment, and scale ocean solutions that can secure a healthy, productive, and resilient ocean for future generations.
The forum is also highlighting regional initiatives such as the Great Blue Wall, an Africa-born movement promoting ocean regeneration and resilient blue economies across the Western Indian Ocean. New insights and milestones from the initiative are expected to be presented during the Our Ocean Conference, reinforcing Africa’s growing role in shaping global ocean action.
Marine plastic pollution is another major focus of the forum. Participants are exploring circular economy approaches that reduce waste leakage into rivers, coastlines, and the ocean while creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable local economic development. IUCN officials noted that plastic pollution remains a serious threat but also offers an opportunity to rethink production, consumption, and waste management systems.
The forum is also showcasing how Nature-based Solutions can strengthen resilience across coastal and marine ecosystems. Restoration of mangroves, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and other critical habitats can support biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, climate adaptation, and community livelihoods. IUCN’s work in regenerative seascapes shows that inclusive governance and community-led stewardship can generate benefits for both people and nature.
A central message of the forum is that ocean sustainability depends on inclusive governance and local leadership. Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities are being recognised as essential actors in shaping resilient ocean futures because they bring knowledge, stewardship, and lived experience that are critical to long-term conservation and sustainable development.
As Africa prepares to host the Our Ocean Conference for the first time, the Regenerative Ocean Forum sends a strong message that transformative ocean action is already underway. The challenge now is to move from discussion to implementation by scaling proven solutions, mobilising finance, strengthening partnerships, and supporting ocean leadership that restores ecosystems, protects communities, and advances a regenerative blue economy.
