The Africa Ocean Forum, organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), took place on June 24-25, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya. With active participation from over 150 delegates, including policymakers, industry experts, scientists, and community leaders, the forum addressed critical issues in ocean conservation and governance.
The Africa Ocean Forum, organised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), took place on June 24 and 25, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together key IUCN members, partners and stakeholders from across the African continent to address critical issues in ocean conservation and governance in preparation for the Africa Conservation Forum (ACF), IUCN’s statutory regional gathering. The Africa Ocean Forum witnessed active participation of over 150 delegates, including policymakers, industry experts, scientists and community leaders.
The primary focus of the Forum was to discuss Africa’s ocean conservation and blue economy priorities, and identify pathways to implement them. It took stock of the Great Blue Wall Initiative. It looked at strengthening the role of Africa in global ocean governance, with a particular emphasis on promoting a regenerative blue economy, enhancing the participation of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), strengthening policy engagement and tackling marine plastic pollution.
Over the course of two days, participants engaged in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and strategy sessions, sharing insights and developing actionable strategies to address the pressing challenges facing Africa’s oceans.
The Forum thus held impact-oriented brainstorming on the following areas: