Our Ocean Conference Closes in Mombasa with New Pledges on Marine Action

The 11th Our Ocean Conference ended in Mombasa with a series of new pledges and partnerships aimed at increasing ocean protection, finance and innovation. Countries and other participants outlined steps to scale up marine conservation, address illegal fishing and strengthen coastal economies. Several speakers noted that the focus must now shift to delivering on those commitments.

Joho said the event addressed eight thematic areas, including the ocean-climate link, marine pollution and sustainable blue economy financing. He added that Kenya and partner nations advanced work on marine protected areas and coastal infrastructure. President William Ruto said the gathering produced productive discussions on protecting oceans from climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

Mwinyi said the United Republic of Tanzania supports the conference outcomes and described the country's 1,424-kilometre coastline and 223,000-square-kilometre exclusive economic zone. He noted that fisheries produce more than 530,000 tons of products annually and that offshore natural gas reserves are estimated at 57.5 trillion cubic feet.

Mwinyi also said the blue economy accounts for nearly 30 percent of Zanzibar's GDP and supports jobs in fisheries, seaweed farming and tourism. He called for additional international cooperation to close financing and technology gaps. A speaker at the closing ceremony said a future conference would focus on implementation rather than new promises and announced plans to host the next meeting in Montego Bay in 2029.