Experts call for adoption of holistic “Blue Values” framework to safeguard Indian Ocean benefits for people and nature
Mombasa, Kenya – 3 October 2025: Marine experts and stakeholders have urged countries to embrace a holistic approach to managing the Indian Ocean, ensuring it continues to safeguard vital benefits for both communities and nature.
The ocean offers a lifeline to millions of people by providing food security, supporting livelihoods, regulating climate, protecting coastlines, and sustaining cultural heritage. But these benefits are under growing threat from climate change, overfishing, pollution and habitat loss. To effectively address these challenges, experts are calling for the adoption of a holistic Blue Values framework that recognises the full spectrum of marine ecosystem services beyond fisheries and tourism.
According to 2017 statistics from the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF), the annual Gross Marine Product of the Western Indian Ocean region - equivalent to a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)— is at least US$20.8 billion, making it one of the largest ocean-based economies. The region covers ten countries: Comoros, France (Réunion and Mayotte), Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa and Tanzania.
Experts at the session, co-organised by the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), World Agroforestry and the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR-ICRAF), the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), and GRID Arendal, emphasised that sustainable ocean governance must capture ecological, social, cultural and climate benefits—not only economic outputs.
“The ocean is more than a source of fish or tourism revenue. It is also crucial for regulating climate, protecting coastlines, sustaining biodiversity, and preserving cultural identity. These values need to be captured in national planning and policy processes to enable countries to make better decisions about investments, restoration and governance,” noted James Kairo, Chief Scientist at KMFRI.
Building on this, the Kenya Forest Service stressed the vital role of mangroves in maintaining ocean health.
“Mangroves are the frontline defenders of the Indian Ocean. They shield our coastlines from erosion, serve as nurseries for fisheries and store vast amounts of carbon. At Kenya Forest Service, we are committed to restoring and protecting mangrove forests because their health directly determines the resilience of both our marine ecosystems and the coastal communities that depend on them,” said James Mburu, Coast Regional Forest Conservator, KFS.
Together, these perspectives capture the essence of the holistic Blue Values approach: balancing economic use, environmental care, and community well-being. The framework highlights ocean benefits that cannot always be measured in money—such as biodiversity, cultural heritage and coastal protection—while ensuring that ocean-based activities both generate income and restore ecosystems.
“This means that investments should be directed towards activities that restore and enhance ocean health rather than just minimising harm,” explained Ivy Amugune, Research and Development Specialist at CIFOR-ICRAF.
A key aspect of the approach is using data and science-based decision-making to anticipate the long-term effects of human activities.
“We are committed to enabling regional mapping, data, and spatial analysis so that decision-makers can see the unseen; the invisible benefits of coastal ecosystems that often go unrecognised in planning,” said Josphat Nguu, Ecosystem Ecology Specialist at RCMRD.
Through the EU-funded Regional Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity, Forests and Seascape Ecosystems Management in Eastern and Southern Africa (RCOE-ESA), CIFOR-ICRAF and RCMRD are working with governments to expand access to credible data sources such as the seascapes geoportal, that support evidence-based ocean governance.
The framework also places coastal communities at the centre of sustainable ocean management. By involving them directly in restoration, conservation and nature-based livelihoods, the holistic Blue Values approach helps protect food security while creating opportunities that enhance dignity and resilience.
“To sustainably manage the Indian Ocean ecosystems, it is vital to meaningfully involve communities living along the coastline who depend on these resources for their survival. Their voices, knowledge and leadership are essential to shaping solutions that are not only effective but also just and enduring,” said Lorna Nyaga, Researcher and Community Engagement Specialist at CIFOR-ICRAF.
Conserving oceans empowers people, fosters resilience and creates opportunities that uphold dignity for generations. Thriving marine ecosystems go hand in hand with thriving communities.
Experts concluded that embedding Blue Values into national and regional policies is critical for long-term prosperity.
“Policies must go beyond short-term gains and recognise the ocean as a foundation for long-term prosperity. By mainstreaming Blue Values into marine spatial planning, fisheries regulations, climate strategies and coastal development policies, countries in the Western Indian Ocean can safeguard livelihoods, enhance resilience, and unlock sustainable economic opportunities,” said Jacklin Karimi, Policy Engagement Specialist at RCMRD.
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.
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.”
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.
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