The future of global ocean conservation received a significant boost at the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11), held from 16–18 June 2026 in Mombasa, Kenya, as governments, international organisations and partners announced more than US$6.4 billion in new commitments to advance marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience and the sustainable blue economy.
Held under the theme "Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future," this was the first edition of the conference to be hosted on the African continent. It brought together approximately 6,000 participants, including government representatives, international organisations, civil society, academia, the private sector and youth leaders from around the world, to accelerate action towards the sustainable management and protection of the world's oceans.
Delegates announced new commitments supporting global ocean conservation across six priority areas: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, the Sustainable Blue Economy, Climate Change, and Maritime Security. The conference also renewed commitments to financing coastal resilience and underscored the need to move from pledges to implementation by strengthening fisheries transparency, expanding marine protected areas, supporting climate-resilient coral reefs and accelerating the implementation of the High Seas Treaty.
Seychelles actively participated in the conference through ministerial roundtable discussions, plenary sessions and the delivery of national statements on key topics, including investment and innovative financing for the blue economy, strengthening ocean governance for Africa's blue economy, and the global 30x30 initiative.
Although Seychelles did not announce any new commitment during the conference, the delegation reaffirmed the country's commitment to implementing and monitoring the pledges made at previous editions of the Our Ocean Conference.
Several organisations also hosted thematic sessions highlighting the importance of integrated ocean management, marine ecosystem restoration and the implementation of the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Discussions further explored innovative public and private financing mechanisms, investment in ocean-based renewable energy, equitable benefit-sharing for coastal communities, science-based management, community co-management and the application of innovative technologies to strengthen ocean conservation.
A key focus of the conference was accelerating progress towards the global target of protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. During discussions, the Seychelles delegation showcased the country's leadership in achieving the 30x30 target through science-based marine spatial planning, broad stakeholder engagement and strong political commitment.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Seychelles delegation held several bilateral meetings to strengthen existing partnerships, establish new collaborations and reinforce Seychelles' commitment to sustainable ocean governance.
The Seychelles delegation was led by Minister Marie-May Jeremie and comprised of representatives from the Department of the Blue Economy, the Seychelles Fishing Authority, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.
