From 19 to 25 January 2026 in Zanzibar, Tanzania, experts, emergency responders and policymakers from ten Western Indian Ocean countries met under the Nairobi Convention, in partnership with the UK’s Ocean Country Partnership Programme and the Indian Ocean Commission, to discuss strengthening regional preparedness and coordinated response to marine pollution emergencies, including oil spills.

The meeting focussed on advancing a practical regional framework for prevention, preparedness and response, finalising the Regional Contingency Plan, enhancing communication and contingency planning, and building long-term capacity through training, inclusive approaches and sustainable financing, to safeguard marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities amid rising risks from climate change, extreme weather and increasing maritime traffic.

For more, read the press release here