Commonwealth Ocean ministers meet in Kenya - a collective push for global ocean protection

The Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Roundtable was hosted by the Government of the Republic of Kenya and the Commonwealth Secretariat, and chaired by the Hon. Hassan Ali Joho, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs who delivered the opening remarks. He said: 

“We meet at a defining moment for ocean governance when many commitments have been generated but remain on paper. The purpose of this Roundtable is therefore not to restate ambition, but to convert such pledges into measurable results for our communities, our economies and our seas. To shift from words to action and delivery. 

“Kenya regards the ocean economy as a pillar of sustainable growth, spanning fisheries, maritime transport, coastal tourism, marine renewable energy and the safeguarding of coastal ecosystems. 

“I invite this Roundtable to focus on three priorities: to strengthen and de-risk ocean financing; to accelerate technology transfer and capacity building, with particular attention to small island developing states; and to deepen partnerships across the Commonwealth so that present and future generations inherit a healthy and productive ocean.” 

In a video message, Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, thanked the Government of Kenya – host of the Our Ocean Conference - for also co-hosting the roundtable, and for their sterling championing of the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Group on the Sustainable Blue Economy. She said: 

“There is a Commonwealth consensus that only through practical action and international cooperation can we drive change, confront the global ocean emergency, and protect our planet and her peoples. 

“That Commonwealth consensus underpinned all 56 Heads of Government of the Commonwealth agreeing to the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration. 

That landmark declaration sounded a clarion call for the restoration, protection and sustainable use of our ocean. 

“The Commonwealth consensus also stresses the importance of international cooperation to conserve the ocean. That is why the roundtable today will focus on the BBNJ Agreement, which provides a platform for countries to establish marine protected areas in international waters.” 

John Kerry, 68th United States Secretary of State, former Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, and founder of the Our Ocean Conference, addressed ministerial delegations and strategic partners at the roundtable.  

Commonwealth progress on ocean concerns 

Delegates, including strategic partners, deliberated on the progress made by their countries and represented organisations in achieving ocean restoration, conservation and sustainable use. They focused on the commitments made under the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration and the progress made against these commitments. 

Delegates also reflected on the importance of implementing the BBNJ Agreement, as part of global efforts to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. They further agreed that the Commonwealth provides a valuable platform for fostering consensus on the designation, management, and monitoring of these marine protected areas. 

The second round of the Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator was launched at the Roundtable, with calls for proposals commencing in the next quarter. This Incubator, which is run in partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, provides grants of up to £50,000 to Commonwealth countries for early-stage projects to conserve the ocean.  

The roundtable was attended by almost a hundred delegates from more than 30 Commonwealth member countries and strategic partners, including CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean); the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy - Antigua and Barbuda; ORRAA and the Blue Bond Accelerator, and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).  

The Our Ocean Conference will close on Thursday, 18 June.