Tanzania is hosting the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Nairobi Convention in Dar es Salaam from October 6-9. The conference brings together representatives from 10 contracting parties to address marine pollution, illegal fishing, climate change, and degradation of coastal ecosystems. President Samia Suluhu Hassan will officially open the conference, while Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi will officiate at its closing. The conference aims to strengthen regional cooperation and generate joint action to protect the ocean.
The conference will focus on key issues such as marine and coastal pollution, regional cooperation in conservation and management of marine ecosystems, climate change resilience, and protection of marine biodiversity. The meeting will also examine opportunities in the sustainable blue economy, including sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, and maritime transport. Tanzania expects the conference to strengthen its environmental diplomacy and increase its influence on marine and coastal issues at regional and international levels.
Minister of State in the Vice-President's Office, Engineer Hamad Masauni, said Tanzania expects the conference to produce the Dar es Salaam Declaration, which will reinforce regional cooperation on the sustainable blue economy. The declaration will promote investment that takes environmental considerations into account. Eng Masauni added that the conference will also contribute to common regional positions on international issues such as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement.
The Nairobi Convention, administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), brings together 10 contracting parties to promote sustainable management and use of the marine and coastal environment. The convention provides a platform for governments, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate on protecting and sustainably managing marine and coastal resources. Implementation of the convention has contributed to increased community awareness of the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources.
Eng Masauni said the conference will create opportunities for Tanzania and other countries in the region to attract finance, technology, and environmentally responsible investment for marine and coastal conservation, climate action, pollution control, and blue economy projects. The conference will also examine opportunities in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, and maritime transport. Tanzania expects the meeting to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation, including the use of Marine Spatial Planning in decision-making.
Among the expected outcomes of the conference are the adoption of decisions by the Conference of Parties, a Joint Ministerial Declaration, and the election of the leadership council for the 2026-2028 period. The conference will also provide a platform for countries to share experiences and best practices in marine conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Eng Masauni cited mangrove restoration in the Rufiji Delta as one of the initiatives supporting the protection of fish breeding grounds.
The conference is expected to contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The meeting will promote regional cooperation and generate joint action to address marine pollution, illegal fishing, and degradation of coastal ecosystems. Tanzania's hosting of COP12 demonstrates its commitment to protecting the ocean and promoting sustainable development in the region.
Key points
- Tanzania hosts 12th Conference of the Parties to the Nairobi Convention to shape regional efforts on ocean conservation and blue economy.
- The conference aims to strengthen regional cooperation and generate joint action to protect the ocean.
- The meeting will promote investment that takes environmental considerations into account.
