Oil Spill Prevention and Management at the Heart of Discussions

The 12th Conference of the Parties to the Nairobi Convention will serve as the venue for the presentation of the Regional Contingency Plan for Marine Pollution in the Western Indian Ocean

Since January 19, 2026, Zanzibar has been hosting a regional meeting on emergency response to marine pollution. Technical experts, operational managers, and public decision-makers from ten countries are participating in the work to strengthen coordination and preparedness capacities for marine incidents in the Western Indian Ocean.

The meeting is finalizing a strategic operational framework for the prevention, preparedness, and management of oil spills and other environmental accidents. The objective is to protect marine ecosystems and secure the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The event is taking place through the collaboration of the Nairobi Convention Secretariat, the UK’s Ocean Country Partnership Programme, and the Indian Ocean Commission. The discussions focused on cross-border cooperation, the sharing of practical experiences, and the establishment of sustainable mechanisms for the prevention and management of marine pollution.

The risks of pollution are increasing due to extreme weather events, the intensification of maritime trade, changes in fuels, and the growth of container ships. Captain Hamad Bakar Hamad, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, stressed the need for coordinated regional action to protect islands and coastal areas.

Raj Mohabeer, Project Officer at the Indian Ocean Commission, emphasized the crucial role of sharing best practices to ensure effective and sustainable interventions. Timothy Andrew, Emergency Program Manager, noted that operationalizing the emergency protocol enables rapid and coordinated responses to pollution incidents.

During the meeting, participants strengthen inclusive planning, integrate scientific data and local knowledge, and consider gender equality and social inclusion. Specialized training on hazardous substances enhances regional operational capacities.