The 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) officially got underway on Kenya’s coast with an Academia and Research Symposium held at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort in Shanzu, Mombasa, setting the stage for global discussions on ocean conservation, sustainable development, and the blue economy.
The conference, taking place from 16–18 June in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties, marks a historic milestone as the first edition of the global gathering to be hosted on African soil.
The pre-conference symposium brought together researchers, policymakers, scientists, innovators, and development partners to exchange knowledge and explore pathways for advancing a sustainable blue economy.
Organized by the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries in partnership with the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), and the World Resources Institute (WRI), the forum sought to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy implementation.
Opening the symposium, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak called for stronger collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to ensure scientific findings translate into practical solutions that support sustainable economic growth and ocean stewardship.
He emphasized the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in addressing some of the most pressing ocean challenges, including marine pollution, biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable fisheries management.
Prof. Abdulrazak also revealed the need for greater investment in youth-led innovation, research commercialization, and partnerships among academia, industry, government, and local communities.
Those themes resonated throughout the day’s discussions, where experts from across Africa and beyond explored opportunities to unlock the continent’s blue economy potential while safeguarding marine ecosystems.
One of the highlighted sessions, “From Coastline to Market: Unlocking Blue Economy Value Chains,” brought together leaders in conservation, finance, technology, enterprise development, and investment to examine how African countries can generate greater value from ocean resources.
Participants discussed the importance of moving beyond the extraction of marine resources toward value addition, innovation, processing, and stronger market linkages.
Speakers noted that reducing value-chain losses and creating enabling policies could help generate jobs, strengthen coastal livelihoods, and attract sustainable investment into ocean-based industries.
According to KMFRI Director General Dr. Paul Orina, Africa is uniquely positioned to contribute to and shape the future of the global blue economy.
“The ocean is our heritage and our future, but it is also our laboratory and our responsibility,” said Dr. Orina.
The wider conference is expected to convene governments, scientists, civil society organizations, youth leaders, investors, and private sector actors to accelerate action on key ocean priorities.
These include marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, climate change, maritime security, and the sustainable blue economy.
Since its launch in 2014, the Our Ocean Conference has become one of the world’s leading platforms for advancing ocean action.
The initiative has generated more than 2,600 commitments valued at over US$140 billion, supporting projects and policies aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable ocean management.
For Kenya, hosting OOC11 presents an opportunity to showcase African leadership in marine conservation, ocean finance, and sustainable blue economy development.
It also places renewed attention on the role of healthy oceans in supporting livelihoods, food security, climate resilience, and economic growth across the continent.
As deliberations continue, stakeholders are expected to announce new commitments and partnerships aimed at turning ambition into action for a healthier and more resilient ocean future.
