12/10/2026
The Twelfth Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Nairobi Convention concluded in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with 15 key decisions aimed at strengthening ocean governance, protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, and advancing a sustainable Blue Economy across the Western Indian Ocean.
Held under the theme “Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy in the Western Indian Ocean for People and Nature: A Journey of Forty Years,” COP12 marked four decades of regional cooperation for the protection and sustainable management of our shared ocean.
The Seychelles delegation was led by Minister Marie-May Jeremie* and included representatives from the Department of Blue Economy, the Ministry of Environment and the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT).
The Department of Blue Economy was represented by Principal Secretary Ms Veronique Nibourette, Ms Ashley Dias and Ms Kemira Gertrude.
As part of the conference, Principal Secretary Veronique Nibourette contributed to two important panel discussions: From Nexus to Action: Island Solutions for a Climate-Resilient Western Indian Ocean, hosted by the Indian Ocean Commission (COI) and the other on *From Shared Waters to Shared Leadership: The Case of the Northern Mozambique Channel, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and shared leadership in ocean governance.
The Department also participated in discussions on the BBNJ Agreement, women and youth in the Blue Economy, blue carbon and other key regional ocean governance priorities.
Key outcomes of COP12 included decisions to strengthen marine biodiversity conservation, address plastic pollution, advance implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and support the conservation and restoration of critical ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs. Parties also endorsed a regional contingency plan for major marine pollution incidents and called for stronger action to address land-based sources of marine degradation.
Furthermore, the conference reinforced the importance of ocean accounting, blue finance and inclusive Blue Economy investments that create opportunities for local communities, women and youth.
For Seychelles, these discussions reaffirm the importance of regional partnerships in addressing shared ocean challenges, strengthening climate resilience and ensuring that our marine resources continue to support livelihoods, food security and sustainable economic development.
As the Nairobi Convention marks 40 years of regional cooperation, the priority now is to translate these commitments into tangible action, protecting our shared ocean, strengthening coastal communities and ensuring a healthy and resilient Western Indian Ocean for present and future generations.
