The Our Ocean Conference focuses on six globally recognized Areas of Action:

  • Marine pollution
  • Marine protected areas
  • Maritime security
  • Ocean-climate nexus
  • Sustainable blue economy
  • Sustainable fisheries

These areas form the backbone of dialogue, commitments, and partnerships at every OOC, ensuring coherence across countries, years, and hosts.

At OOC11, these themes will be advanced through the lens of Kenya’s coastal leadership, African priorities, and the opportunities emerging across the Western Indian Ocean.

Marine Protected Areas

Pathways to achieving 30x30 and protecting the High Seas

Well-designed and effectively managed Marine Protected Areas support biodiversity, climate resilience, and coastal livelihoods. OOC11 will highlight pathways to expand and strengthen MPAs, accelerate progress toward the global 30×30 target, and encourage cooperation on High Seas protection.

Sustainable Blue Economy

Unleashing the potential of the blue economy through investment and finance

The blue economy is a vital source of jobs, food security, and economic opportunity across Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. OOC11 will promote investment in sustainable blue industries, encourage innovation and ocean-based entrepreneurship, and strengthen pathways for inclusive growth.

The Ocean-Climate Nexus

Driving ambitious ocean-climate action to support global climate goals

Ocean climate action is critical for coastal nations that face rising temperatures, sea level rise, and extreme weather. OOC11 will spotlight the roles of blue carbon ecosystems, nature-based resilience, and climate finance in supporting adaptation efforts and strengthening coastal communities.

Sustainable Fisheries

Combatting IUU through community-led solutions and science-based management

Sustainable and equitable fisheries management is essential for food security and economic stability. OOC11 will advance efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, promote science-based management, and protect the rights and livelihoods of artisanal and small-scale fishers.

Marine Pollution

Tackling plastics, from micro to macro

Marine pollution, particularly plastic pollution from microplastics to larger debris, continues to threaten ecosystems, coastal health, and economies. OOC11 will highlight pathways to reduce plastics at source, strengthen circular and community-driven solutions, and support continued global cooperation toward a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution.

Maritime Security

Building national and global capacity for effective maritime domain awareness

Safe and secure seas underpin sustainable blue growth and regional stability. OOC11 will support cooperation to address maritime crime, strengthen monitoring and information sharing, and promote coordinated action across the Western Indian Ocean.