Calling Young Ocean Leaders Across the Western Indian Ocean
As part of its 40th Anniversary celebrations, the Nairobi Convention Secretariat has launched the Nairobi Convention at 40 Youth Essay Competition, inviting young people across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region to share innovative ideas for protecting marine and coastal ecosystems while advancing a sustainable blue economy.
The competition forms part of preparations for the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12), scheduled to take place 6–9 October 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, under the theme:
“Towards Sustainable Blue Economy in the Western Indian Ocean Region for People and Nature: A Forty-Year Journey.”
This initiative provides an opportunity for the next generation of ocean leaders to contribute practical solutions to some of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Why This Matters
For four decades, the Nairobi Convention has served as the regional legal and institutional framework for protecting, managing, and sustainably developing the marine and coastal environment of the Western Indian Ocean.
As the Convention marks this milestone, it recognizes that young people are essential partners in shaping the future of ocean governance, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, marine pollution prevention, and the sustainable blue economy.
Competition Objectives
Participants are invited to develop essays that:
☑️ Raise awareness of the Nairobi Convention’s achievements and ongoing work.
☑️ Present innovative youth-led solutions for sustainable ocean and coastal management.
☑️ Contribute ideas that can inform discussions during COP12.
☑️ Promote stronger collaboration between young researchers, universities, and regional institutions.
☑️ Inspire a new generation of environmental leaders across the Western Indian Ocean.
Who Can Participate?
The competition targets young people from the Western Indian Ocean region, particularly students, researchers, and emerging professionals with an interest in marine conservation, ocean governance, environmental sustainability, and the blue economy.
Awards
Outstanding submissions will receive regional recognition.
Top 3 Winners
☑️ Fully sponsored participation at Nairobi Convention COP12
☑️ Opportunity to present their ideas in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
☑️ Nairobi Convention merchandise
Top 10 Finalists
☑️ Certificate of Recognition
☑️ Nairobi Convention merchandise
Important Date
Submission Deadline: 31 August 2026
Why Ocean Insights Recommends Applying
Ocean Insights believes youth innovation is fundamental to building resilient ocean economies across the Western Indian Ocean. Platforms such as this competition allow young professionals to move beyond academic discussions and directly influence regional policy conversations.
Whether your interests lie in fisheries, marine conservation, climate adaptation, coastal communities, maritime innovation, or blue economy entrepreneurship, this competition offers an opportunity to share your ideas with regional decision-makers.
Learn More & Apply
For the official competition guidelines, eligibility requirements, essay themes, terms of reference, and submission process, visit the Nairobi Convention website:
🔗 Official Nairobi Convention Youth Essay Competition:
Nairobi Convention at 40 Youth Essay Competition
About Ocean Insights
Ocean Insights is OPONE’s knowledge platform dedicated to sharing opportunities, research, policy developments, market intelligence, and innovation shaping the blue economy across Somalia, the Western Indian Ocean, and beyond
