The Likhulu Foundation has successfully mapped Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) in Mozambique under the Blue Nature Alliance project, “Catalyzing Legal Recognition and Strengthening Management Effectiveness of LMMAs within the WIO Region.” This initiative is a major step toward enhancing marine conservation in the region by addressing crucial aspects of LMMA development including legal status,
The 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium is the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region’s premier event focused on marine and coastal science and management. Taking place in Mombasa, Kenya, from September 28th to October 3rd, 2025, the symposium will showcase innovative and impactful research on the theme, “One Ocean, One Future: Connecting People, Policy, and Science for
The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region has consistently set the pace in Marine Protected Area (MPA) management by fostering strong national organizations, academic programs, and NGO collaborations. Notably, the WIOMSA-led WIO-COMPAS professional certification has recognized MPA staff who excel in their roles, establishing clear benchmarks for competence. Building on this foundation, the new MPA Toolkit
The Marine Protected Areas (MPA) mentorship programme is set to launch soon, offering a valuable opportunity for MPA practitioners in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) to enhance their skills, knowledge, and professional networks. This initiative recognizes the critical role mentorship plays in building a well-equipped and motivated workforce capable of addressing the growing challenges in
The Mohéli Marine Park (MMP) in the Comoros islands as a leading example of effective marine resource governance through community involvement. As the first marine protected area, MMP has pioneered a participatory management approach that integrates local fishers, community associations, and traditional leaders in decision-making processes. This governance model has led to the adoption of
Conservation of marine resources are facing many challenges among which is coral reef degradation resulting from unsustainable resource practices and coral bleaching. Coral restoration has been a means of rehabilitation of degraded reef in some Marine Protected Areas. A coral reef restoration activity is currently being undertaken at Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park (TACMP) in Tanzania
The Bay of Tsimipaika, is located in the north-west of Madagascar, DIANA region, hosting an extensive mangrove area of over 8,500 Ha. These mangroves have been subjected to high anthropogenic pressure due to cutting for timber wood and charcoal production , with a net loss of over 2,500 Ha (Jones & al.2014). Aware of this
Women play a crucial role in marine conservation, yet their contributions often go unrecognized. Across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, women are actively involved in protecting marine ecosystems such as cleanliness and collection of plastic around the ocean, mangrove restoration, leading community initiatives, and advocating for sustainable ocean management. In marine conservation meetings and
The Hifadhi Blu Programme—a collaborative initiative by WIOMSA, Advanced Conservation Strategies (ACS), WIOMPAN, and the Minderoo Foundation—announces a new funding opportunity through a call for concept notes. This initiative aims to enhance marine conservation management and improve the effectiveness of Marine Conservation Area (MCA) management in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. The Western Indian Ocean
The South Africa WIOMPAN Chapter was officially launched on February 26–28, 2024, in East London, under the theme “Towards Strengthening Marine Protected Areas in the Region”. This initiative, supported by WIOMSA and WildTrust, marks a key step in fortifying the management and capacity of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Western Indian Ocean region. Highlights
