An ocean stewardship programme by OPONE

Somalia’s relationship with the ocean is deeply rooted in its geography, culture, livelihoods and economic potential. Along the country’s extensive Indian Ocean coastline, marine resources sustain fishing communities, support livelihoods and connect coastal settlements to regional and international markets.

Beyond its economic value, the ocean supports diverse ecosystems, provides habitats for marine life and plays an important role in the resilience and well-being of coastal communities.

Understanding, valuing and protecting this natural heritage requires more than economic development. It requires knowledge, public awareness, responsible resource use and collective stewardship.

It is within this context that OPONE introduces BLUE SOMALIA, an ocean stewardship programme dedicated to promoting awareness, education, community engagement and responsible action for Somalia’s marine and coastal environment.

Guided by the belief that the ocean is both a natural heritage and a shared responsibility, BLUE SOMALIA seeks to bring people closer to the ocean and encourage a stronger culture of stewardship.

Why BLUE SOMALIA?

Somalia’s ocean is one of the country’s significant natural assets, yet its long-term value depends on how it is understood, managed and protected.

Challenges such as unsustainable fishing practices, marine pollution, pressure on coastal ecosystems and the growing effects of climate change make ocean awareness and responsible management increasingly important.

At the same time, there are opportunities to strengthen public understanding of marine biodiversity, improve appreciation of coastal ecosystems and encourage meaningful participation by communities, young people, researchers and other ocean stakeholders.

BLUE SOMALIA seeks to contribute to this effort by bringing ocean-related issues, stories and perspectives closer to the public.

Its guiding principle is simple: ocean stewardship begins with understanding the ocean and recognising our shared responsibility towards it.

Five areas of focus

BLUE SOMALIA will initially focus on five interconnected areas of ocean stewardship.

1. Responsible Fisheries

Fisheries are central to Somalia’s coastal livelihoods and Blue Economy potential. BLUE SOMALIA will promote awareness of responsible fishing practices, sustainable use of marine resources and the importance of protecting fish habitats and marine ecosystems.

The programme will highlight the relationship between healthy fisheries, coastal livelihoods and the long-term sustainability of marine resources.

2. Marine Ecosystems

Mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs and other coastal and marine habitats provide important ecological benefits. BLUE SOMALIA will highlight their environmental significance, biodiversity and role in supporting healthy marine ecosystems.

Through storytelling and public education, the programme will bring greater attention to the importance of understanding and protecting Somalia’s marine and coastal habitats.

3. Clean Oceans

Marine pollution, particularly plastic waste and other forms of marine debris, threatens ocean health and coastal environments. BLUE SOMALIA will promote awareness, responsible waste practices and collective action towards cleaner coastlines and healthier seas.

The programme will encourage greater public responsibility for reducing pollution and protecting the marine environment.

4. Coastal Communities

Coastal communities are closely connected to the ocean through their livelihoods, knowledge, traditions and daily activities. Their experiences and perspectives are essential to meaningful ocean stewardship.

BLUE SOMALIA will seek to amplify coastal voices and encourage greater participation by fishermen, women, young people and other community members in conversations and initiatives concerning ocean protection and sustainable coastal development.

5. Ocean Literacy and Public Engagement

Building a culture of ocean stewardship requires people to understand the importance of marine ecosystems and their connection to everyday life.

BLUE SOMALIA will promote ocean literacy through public education, awareness activities, community dialogues and engagement with young people, coastal communities and other stakeholders.

The aim is to strengthen understanding of ocean-related challenges and encourage informed participation in responsible ocean stewardship.

From awareness to engagement

BLUE SOMALIA will use storytelling and public engagement to make ocean issues more accessible and relevant to Somali audiences.

Its activities will include documentary storytelling, educational content, awareness campaigns, community engagement and knowledge-sharing initiatives. These efforts will explore Somalia’s coastal landscapes, marine biodiversity, fisheries, maritime heritage and the experiences of communities connected to the ocean.

The programme will also seek opportunities to engage researchers, conservation organisations, educational institutions, policymakers and other stakeholders working across the marine and coastal sectors.

Through these connections, BLUE SOMALIA aims to encourage informed conversations, strengthen public awareness and help translate ocean knowledge into responsible action.

Connecting ocean knowledge with public engagement

BLUE SOMALIA is supported by Ocean Insights, OPONE’s dedicated ocean knowledge and publication platform.

Ocean Insights focuses on producing and sharing research-based articles, analysis and accessible information covering fisheries, marine ecosystems, ocean governance, maritime affairs and the wider Blue Economy.

While BLUE SOMALIA leads ocean stewardship, awareness and public engagement, Ocean Insights develops and communicates the knowledge that helps inform these efforts.

The two platforms have complementary but distinct roles: Ocean Insights makes ocean knowledge accessible, while BLUE SOMALIA brings ocean issues closer to people and encourages greater participation in ocean stewardship.

Together, they connect knowledge with understanding and understanding with responsible action.

Looking ahead

BLUE SOMALIA is a developing programme with a long-term ambition: to contribute to a stronger culture of ocean awareness and stewardship in Somalia by making marine issues more visible, encouraging public participation and strengthening appreciation of the country’s ocean heritage.

This journey will require collaboration. Coastal communities, researchers, young people, conservation practitioners, institutions and policymakers all have important roles to play.

OPONE welcomes opportunities to connect with individuals and organisations that share an interest in ocean knowledge, marine conservation, responsible fisheries and sustainable coastal development.

Somalia’s ocean is a natural heritage, an economic resource and a shared responsibility. Its future depends not only on the value we derive from it, but also on how responsibly we care for it.

BLUE SOMALIA — Our Ocean. Our Heritage. Our Responsibility.

An ocean stewardship programme by OPONE.