RCMRD at the 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium

RCMRD at the 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium

One ocean, one future: Connecting people, policy and science for a thriving Western Indian Ocean

28 Sep - 03 Oct 2025, Hybrid (physical & online)

The WIOMSA Scientific Symposium is the premier open scientific conference in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, bringing together experts to address critical marine and coastal challenges.

This year’s theme, “One Ocean, One Future: Connecting People, Policy, and Science for a Thriving Western Indian Ocean”, underscores both the opportunities and challenges the WIO faces in achieving sustainable ocean management. It envisions an interconnected blue economy that safeguards ecological health while advancing socio-economic development, driven by strong collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and communities.

Anchored in the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) and the Ocean Decade Africa Roadmap, the theme rests on three dynamic pillars: Science as a Foundation for Decision-Making, Policy as a Catalyst for Collaboration, and Communities as Stewards of Sustainability. Together, these pillars aim to inspire concrete action and strengthen partnerships across the region.

The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) in collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF, the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) and GRID-Arendal, will convene a special session at the symposium titled “Blue Values: Unlocking the Full Potential of Marine Ecosystem Services.”

SPECIAL SESSION: Blue Economy and Sustainable Development: 

SS033 - Blue Values: Unlocking full potential of marine ecosystem services in the WIO

At the 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium, this session will spotlight the untapped potential of coastal and marine ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean. Moving beyond the narrow lens of blue carbon, it will reframe ecosystem services to encompass their full ecological, cultural, and economic value – from biodiversity and climate regulation to fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection. Through case studies, technology-driven approaches, and policy dialogues, the session will chart a roadmap for scaling up blue values and strengthening regional collaboration for sustainable ocean governance.

Key Highlights of the Session

• Beyond blue carbon: Reframing coastal and marine ecosystem services by highlighting the multidimensional benefits of these ecosystems, including biodiversity conservation, livelihoods and climate regulation.
• Leveraging technology for assessing blue values: Exploring the role of remote sensing, artificial intelligence and data-sharing platforms in monitoring and valuing ecosystem services.
• Case study – Marketing marine ecosystem services: Insights from Mikoko Pamoja, a community-based blue carbon initiative in Kenya.
• Integrating ecosystem service valuation into policy frameworks: Aligning development plans with both ecological and socioeconomic benefits for balanced, sustainable growth.
• Financing mechanisms to unlock blue value: Innovative strategies for securing long-term funding for coastal and marine conservation.
• Science communication: Advancing ocean science impact through effective communication and engagement.

Time: 2:00-5:30 PM (Kenya Time, GMT+3)

Venue: Shimba Room, Pride Inn Paradise Resort

 REGISTER HERE 

Partners/ Organizers: CIFOR-ICRAF, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) and GRID-Arendal