From Coastal Wetlands to Ocean Action: Wetlands International at OOC11
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Coastal resilience
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Coastal wetland conservation
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Healthy Wetland Nature
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Blue Carbon Ecosystems
Across the continent, oceans remain a critical resource not only for communities and economies, but also for the health and sustainability of the planet. Covering approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface, the ocean plays a fundamental role in regulating the climate, producing oxygen, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining global ecosystems. As pressures on marine environments continue to grow, safeguarding ocean health has become more important than ever.
Against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean and the vibrant coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya made history by becoming the first African nation to host the Our Ocean Conference. The landmark event brought together global leaders, conservation organisations, investors, researchers, and communities to advance commitments and partnerships for ocean conservation, climate action, and a sustainable blue economy.
Under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” the conference shaped discussions around developing sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans while promoting collaboration, innovation, and collective action.
Our teams from the Global Office and Eastern Africa were at the forefront of the conference, showcasing Wetlands International’s commitment to ocean leadership, sustainable marine stewardship, and a thriving blue economy. Through a range of engagements, we highlighted the vital role of coastal wetlands in supporting livelihoods, conserving biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience, and delivering benefits for people, nature, and the climate.
The journey began with the build-up session, Blue Connections: Networking Session to Catalyse New Opportunities, which Wetlands International co-hosted alongside partners. The session brought together investors, blue economy enterprises, sustainability leaders, development partners, conservation organisations, and private sector actors for an evening of meaningful dialogue during the Our Ocean Conference Business Forum. It created opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and explore new partnerships that can drive sustainable blue economy investments and coastal resilience across the region.
Wetlands International also contributed to conversations on solutions to marine plastic pollution taking shape across the Western Indian Ocean through Turning the Plastic Tides: Advancing Locally-Led Approaches towards Marine Plastic Pollution for Harmonized Marine Conservation in the Western Indian Ocean. The session brought together diverse stakeholders to share experiences and insights, demonstrating how communities, youth, and partnerships are already driving circular economy solutions that can be scaled across the region. Discussions underscored the importance of locally led action and regional collaboration in addressing one of the most pressing threats facing our oceans.
Beyond marine plastic pollution, discussions also explored how mangrove conservation can be scaled in ways that strengthen both nature and people. Through discussions on blue carbon and coastal ecosystem conservation, Wetlands International highlighted the need to strengthen the links between conservation, community stewardship, and investment. A recurring theme throughout the dialogue was that financing mechanisms are most effective when they support both healthy ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods. The discussions also emphasised the importance of enabling policy and governance frameworks, cross-sector partnerships, and financing approaches that respond to local realities and community needs.
As OOC11 came to a close, one message remained clear: addressing ocean challenges requires strong partnerships, locally led action, and sustained investment in nature-based solutions. Through its engagement at the conference, Wetlands International reaffirmed its commitment to advancing coastal wetland conservation, supporting resilient coastal communities, and fostering collaboration that delivers lasting benefits for people, nature, and climate. The connections built, conversations held, and partnerships strengthened during the conference will continue to inform efforts towards a healthier ocean and a more sustainable blue future for the region and beyond.
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