During the recent Regenerative Ocean Week, WIOMSA and IUCN supported by the Blue Nature Alliance, organised a stakeholder workshop on the Legal and Institutional Recognition of Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) to address governance challenges that hinder LMMA recognition. For nearly two decades, LMMAs have played a pivotal role
From 5th to 7th March 2025, the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), with support from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) under the Ocean Country Partnership Programme, hosted the LMMA Competency Framework workshop in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The workshop brought together participants from Madagascar, Mozambique, and Kenya to strengthen local marine conservation efforts through
In March 2025, a workshop was held to solidify a regional network of learning institutions aimed at supporting coastal community capacity building across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. Organized by WIOMSA, WRTI, and IUCN, in partnership with WWF and CORDIO East Africa, the workshop addressed long-standing capacity gaps that had limited coastal communities from
A 6-day workshop introducing marine protected and conserved areas (MPCA) practitioners to the ecological monitoring of three major marine habitats wrapped up on July 14th, marking a significant milestone for the 17 participants from seven island territories across the South-West Indian Ocean (SWIO). Held at the Mitsamiouli Ndroudé National Park in northern Grande Comore, the
The recently concluded Regional Workshop on Reef Restoration Initiatives in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) for Lesson Sharing, Capacity Building, and Networking was a major success, setting the stage for future collaborations. Held in Zanzibar from July 16–18, 2024, the workshop brought together 41 coral reef restoration practitioners and key stakeholders from across the region, including
Recently, a Coral and Fish Monitoring training workshop was held in Zanzibar, Tanzania, organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). This comprehensive six-day training brought together approximately 20 participants from a variety of organizations, including the Marine Parks and Reserve Unit, Wildlife Conservation Society, Mwambao Coastal Community Network Tanzania, the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS)
On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, the Co-Management Committee of the Coelacanth National Park (PNCoe) convened for a pivotal validation workshop to finalize the Annual Work Plan (AWP) for 2024. The workshop, held in a spirit of collaboration and community engagement, brought together 39 committee members representing a broad spectrum of stakeholders. This crucial meeting ensures
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) recently hosted a pivotal workshop on Fisheries-Related Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO). Held from April 16-18, 2024, the workshop brought together 25 participants from various WIO countries, including representatives from the departments of
Dates: April 27 – 31, 2024 Venue: Kenya Coast Organized by: Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) Supported by: Blue Nature Alliance and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee Overview Marine conservation practitioners from across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region have come together on the Kenya Coast for a five-day workshop focused on compliance
From 4 to 7 April, Madagascar hosted a unique workshop dedicated to the conservation of dugongs, the elusive and gentle marine mammals often known as “sea cows.” This collaborative effort brought together experts and staff from various conservation organizations, including the Association des Naturalistes Environnement et Patrimoine de Mayotte, Madagascar National Parks, the National Park
