NAIROBI, Kenya – As the high-level 2025 UN Ocean Conference kicks off in Nice, France, this week, Kenya has committed to protecting its vast water bodies.
Already, senior government officials from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs have engaged French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, in the run-up to the event.
Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho said that it is envisaged that the conference will strengthen ongoing local and international efforts to support the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, benefiting local communities.
On her part, Betsy Njagi, the Principal Secretary for Blue Economy, indicated that the government’s quest is to position the blue economy as the new economic frontier, which goes hand in hand with the country’s deep commitment to the conservation and sustainable stewardship of its precious ‘blue’ resources.
PS Njagi disclosed that their discussion with the French delegation centred on galvanising both local and international efforts.
“This is a powerful reminder that the future of our oceans, seas, and marine life depends on our collective responsibility. Protecting these vast blue expanses is not only essential for environmental balance but also for sustaining the livelihoods and dreams of coastal communities,” she explained.
Kenya’s marine sector is multifaceted, involving sustainable maritime development, research, and industry promotion. Key organisations include those facilitating maritime development, conducting research in marine and freshwater ecosystems, and promoting the shipping industry.
These entities work together to manage and develop Kenya’s marine resources and related industries. The focus is on sustainable practices and the growth of the maritime sector.
When will the 2025 UN Ocean Conference take place in France
While weighing in on the current status of the blue economy in East Africa and the Indian Ocean, Pierre Noyer, the sustainable development officer in Nairobi, said the conference that kicks off from Monday, June 9, to Friday, June 13, 2025, comes at a critical time as our oceans, covering 71% of the Earth’s surface, have already warmed by over 1 degree Celsius.
10 years after the Paris Agreement, France and Costa Rica will co-host the global event.
“The goal is to reach the Nice agreements, enhancing marine protection and creating resilient and sustainable maritime governance,” explained Noyer.
With UNOC-3, Noyer disclosed that France and its partners want to take concrete and long-term actions in favour of the ocean.
What is at stake for East Africa and Indian Ocean countries
Noyer indicated that UNOC-3 is a strategic opportunity for East Africa and Indian Ocean countries to voice their priorities.
“These priorities include tackling illegal fishing, improving marine infrastructures, better management of marine protected areas, mobilising funds and strengthening institutional capacities,” he added.
Noyer also said that many countries of the region have direct sea access and key port hubs like Mombasa in Kenya and Djibouti and a strong tourism potential like in Mauritius, Seychelles or Zanzibar.
“Some countries of the region are advancing the summit’s goal. For instance, Seychelles and Mauritius ratified the agreement on Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ),” explained Noyer.
Five countries of the region Noyer observed have banned plastic production, while Kenya, Mauritius and Seychelles have joined the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution.
What is the role of the blue economy in the region
According to Noyer, the importance of the blue economy varies a lot across the region.
“For the island countries such as Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar, it is vital to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through fishing, tourism and ports.
“For example, fishing accounts for 7% of Madagascar’s GDP. There is also a divide between countries actively protecting marine ecosystems like Kenya and Seychelles and the ones which still don’t have any protected marine areas,” explained Noyer.
What are the risks and opportunities for blue economy actors in the region
Noyer reiterated that countries in the region face common challenges such as plastic pollution, illegal fishing, climate change, weak institutions and lack of investment.
“International partners, including France, support the blue economy by funding port upgrades in Madagascar or the Comoros as well as marine protection initiatives. Private investment remains limited largely due to a challenging business and regulatory climate,” Noyer explained.
He said that still opportunities exist for French companies, already present in the region, especially in the sectors of marine protection, blue carbon and marine infrastructures.
