Africa Champions High Seas Protection at Global Summit

African and Commonwealth nations have called for the immediate implementation of a landmark treaty aimed at protecting the world's high seas. This call comes as the 11th Our Ocean Conference, hosted for the first time in Mombasa, Kenya, highlights concerns that current marine conservation efforts are largely insufficient.

Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry noted that while 10% of the ocean is under protection, only 3% is highly or fully protected, with much of the rest existing only as "lines on a map." He urged countries to ratify and implement the High Seas Treaty, formally the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, which entered into force in January 2026. This treaty seeks to establish legal mechanisms for protected areas in international waters and contribute to the global goal of protecting 30% of the world's land and oceans by 2030.

Kenyan officials emphasized the need to move beyond pledges and achieve measurable results. Since 2014, the Our Ocean Conference has generated over $169 billion in pledges, but translating these into effective marine ecosystem management remains a challenge. The Commonwealth, with its significant ocean jurisdiction, has a crucial role to play.

Africa is increasingly asserting itself as a leader in ocean conservation. The continent's efforts include integrated coastal management, expanded marine protected areas, and intensified efforts against illegal fishing. Notably, eight Gulf of Guinea nations have committed to sustainably managing their waters by 2030, demonstrating a shift from exploitation to leadership in ocean protection.