WIOMSA Scientific Symposium

Over 1,000 marine scientists, policy makers, educators, students and managers gathered between 28 September and 3 October in Mombasa, Kenya, for the largest the WIOMSA Scientific Symposium. A key scientific event on the coastal and marine environment in the Western Indian Ocean region, the Symposium showcased insightful and inspiring presentations on the latest research results and key developments. It included plenary and poster sessions, exhibitions, networking activities, and events for students.

This year’s theme was “One Ocean, One Future: Connecting People, Policy, and Science for a Thriving Western Indian Ocean.”

Inspired by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and the Ocean Decade Africa Roadmap, the theme is built on three dynamic pillars, designed to drive meaningful action and promote collaboration across the region: Science as a Foundation for Decision-Making, Policy as a Catalyst for Collaboration,  and Communities as Stewards of Sustainability.

The event was organized by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Nairobi Convention, and IOC Africa. It is part of the endorsed UN Ocean Decade Activities.