Every 8 June, the world marks World Ocean Day—a global observance that highlights the vital role oceans play in supporting life, livelihoods, and planetary health. First proposed at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and formally recognised by the United Nations in 2008, the day serves as a clarion call for collective action to safeguard our oceans and stabilise the climate.
The 2025 theme, “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us”, is a powerful reminder: the ocean not only sustains us materially—through food, energy, and trade—but also inspires, connects, and nurtures us. This year’s message is aimed squarely at policymakers: do not lose sight of the ocean’s inherent wonder when making decisions that will shape its future.
Raising Awareness, Driving Action
World Ocean Day is a platform to raise awareness of the destructive impacts of human activities—from pollution to overfishing—and to galvanise a global movement for ocean stewardship. It’s a day to inform, mobilise, and unite people around the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.
In the IGAD region, these objectives are not just aspirations—they are active commitments. As a continental leader in championing the blue economy, IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) has developed a comprehensive Blue Economy Strategy under its Agriculture and Environment Division. The strategy aims to sustainably harness the marine and aquatic resources of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean—aligned with national strategies of Member States.
The IGAD Approach: Innovation Meets Sustainability
IGAD’s Blue Economy Strategy takes an integrated view of marine resource management. It recognises the need to modernise traditional sectors such as fisheries and maritime transport while investing in emerging industries like marine renewable energy and ocean-based biotechnology.
IGAD Member States are already demonstrating how economic growth can go hand-in-hand with ecosystem conservation and climate resilience. This shift requires not only innovative financing and coordinated policy-making, but also inclusive governance and mechanisms that ensure both economic and ecological returns.
On the Ground: Fighting Plastic Pollution in Djibouti
In Djibouti, IGAD has launched targeted awareness campaigns to combat plastic pollution—one of the gravest threats to marine life. With its capital and coastal towns lining the Red Sea, Djibouti faces mounting waste challenges exacerbated by high population density and refugee influxes.
IGAD’s campaign included beach clean-ups and public engagement, alongside the distribution of educational materials—banners, notebooks, pens and reusable bags—designed to visualise the risks facing marine ecosystems. The effort underscores the need for both behavioural change and systemic solutions to plastic pollution.
Empowering Communities: Women and Youth in the Lead
Recognising the critical role of communities in environmental stewardship, IGAD has invested in building the capacity of women and youth to lead conservation efforts. Through hands-on training, participants have gained the knowledge and communication skills needed to protect marine and aquatic environments, advocate for sustainable practices, and serve as champions of change within their communities.
Global Ambition, Regional Leadership
IGAD is also working to support Member States in meeting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. One of the key targets—protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030—has been embraced through a regional initiative to promote Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). A recent workshop convened policymakers to strengthen MPA designations and improve the management of existing sites.
Looking Ahead: From Nice to Nairobi
As the world gathers in Nice, France, for the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (9–13 June), the spotlight is already turning towards Africa. Kenya, an IGAD Member State, will make history as the first African nation to host the 4th UN Ocean Conference in 2026.
This milestone offers a unique opportunity for Kenya and the IGAD region to elevate the blue economy agenda and push for stronger global action on ocean-climate resilience, sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, maritime security and pollution control. The conference is expected to drive practical commitments by governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector—turning ambition into impact.
