Africa advances aquatic biodiversity protection at high-level Mombasa meetings

KENYA – This week, African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and development partners convened in Mombasa, Kenya, from 2–4 December 2025 to assess progress and map out the next phase of the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the Africa Blue Economy Project.

These gatherings, the Fourth Project Technical Committee Meeting and Fourth High-Level Steering Committee Dialogue, were organised by the African Union–InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) with support from the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). 

It brought together senior policymakers, Regional Fisheries Bodies, research institutions such as KMFRI, women and youth representatives, and collaborating NGOs. 

Delegates met to review achievements, validate results, and provide guidance on the future of Africa’s efforts to conserve aquatic biodiversity while strengthening blue economy value chains.

Kenya reaffirms leadership

Representing the Government of Kenya, Mr Joseph Mahonga underscored the country’s firm political commitment to the blue economy as a driver of food security, climate resilience, and inclusive growth. 

He stressed the need for stronger regional collaboration to confront transboundary water challenges, tackle illegal fishing, and promote ecosystem restoration. 

Kenya said hosting the meetings reflected its continued leadership in the governance of the continental blue economy.

In her opening remarks, AU-IBAR Director Dr Huyam Salih praised Kenya’s long-standing support. He commended Sida’s partnership, noting that it has bolstered institutional capacity and improved governance across the continent. 

“As we approach the conclusion of the project’s fourth year of implementation, we are proud of the significant progress achieved in awareness creation, institutional strengthening, policy alignment, and regional cooperation,” she said.

She added that preparations for a second phase of the project were already well advanced.

Regional integration and international support

COMESA, represented by Ms Stella Mbabazi and speaking on behalf of Regional Economic Communities and specialised institutions, highlighted the critical importance of harmonised policies and coordinated enforcement mechanisms for managing shared water bodies. 

She said regional integration remains essential for the effective conservation of transboundary lakes, rivers, and marine systems that support millions of livelihoods.

The Government of Sweden, represented by Ms Beza Berhanu, reaffirmed its strategic partnership with Africa, emphasising continued support for nature-based solutions, regional cooperation, institutional strengthening, and the development of Centres of Excellence. 

Sida commended the project for elevating community participation, women’s leadership, and youth inclusion, noting that long-term conservation success depends on empowering those living closest to aquatic resources.

Reviewing progress and responding to rising threats

Throughout the three-day meeting, delegates reviewed technical and financial performance, national and regional implementation outcomes, findings from the external evaluation, and priorities for Phase II. 

A draft communiqué outlining policy and investment recommendations will guide the next steps.

Participants also noted increasing threats to aquatic biodiversity from climate change, pollution, habitat loss, overexploitation, and illegal fishing. 

The Africa Blue Economy Project seeks to align biodiversity conservation with economic opportunity, regional integration, and social inclusion, ensuring that environmental protection strengthens food security, jobs, and climate resilience.

As the project enters its final implementation year, the Mombasa meetings mark a pivotal moment of reflection and strategic planning. 

The outcomes will shape Africa’s next phase of action to ensure that rivers, lakes, wetlands, and marine ecosystems continue to support communities, economies, and ecosystems across the continent for generations to come.

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