Programs & Initiatives

Our Blue Future tackles critical, sector-specific challenges through concrete actions and projects for transitioning to an ISBE, through multi-stakeholder Innovation Teams.

Our Multi - Stakeholder Approach in Action

Multi-stakeholder Preliminary Steering Team (PST): Co designs the overall strategy, steers the alliance, monitors implementation and evaluates impact.

Multi-stakeholder Task Teams: Support the development of governance, stakeholder engagement and communication strategies.

Secretariat: Ensures smooth operation and coordination by facilitating connections between Our Blue Future’s network of partnerships and initiatives.

Multi-stakeholder Innovation Teams: Tackle critical, sector-specific challenges through concrete actions and projects for transitioning to a Sustainable Blue Economy.

Transformation Network: Includes an array of multi-stakeholder partnerships across the WIO region, learning from and inspiring each other in mobilizing resources to help realize a healthy, prosperous and sustainable region for all.

Innovation Teams

Current Key Focal Areas

The Innovation Teams have a common objective to overcome specific challenges and capitalise on opportunities to catalyse the transition to an ISBE, building on existing structures and experience.

SWIO Venture Builder

Co-create and co-design coastal communities-led enterprises to foster ISBE development across the WIO region.

Sustainable Fisheries

Promote innovative solutions to address unsustainable and illegal fishing practices and promote fair, equitable and sustainable fisheries access arrangements.

Circular Economy

Promote circularity as an ISBE solution.

Blue Tourism

Enhance strong, regional and multi-stakeholder collaboration around sustainable blue tourism in the WIO region.

Ports and Shipping

Foster sustainable port development, efficient and environmentally friendly shipping practices.

Blue Finance

Explore types of blue finance and mechanisms and opportunities for access by the different practitioners while taking into consideration environmental concerns.

Our Task Teams

Task Team 1

Develops appropriate governance structures for
the initiative and their working modalities. It also mobilizes
resources for the initiative.

Members

1. Julie MULONGA - Wetlands International
2. Andrew Gordon - Marine Stewardship Council
3. Obakeng Molelu - WIOMSA
4. Al-Guthmy, Fahd - WCS
5. Timothy Andrew - Nairobi Convention
6. Robin Farrington - GIZ
7. Rose Machaku - GIZ

Task Team 2

Focuses on stakeholder engagement, inclusion and communication.

Members
1. Peter Manyara - IUCN 
2. Melisa Wandia - Nairobi Convention Secretariat 
3. Mubarak Sodha - Ports Management Association of
Eastern and Southern Africa 
4. Malvika - Pangea Accelerator
5. Derek de Bres - Sustainable Tech 
6. Dresy Lovasoa - WWF 
7. Lulekwa Gqiba - Collective Leadership Institute
8. Timothy Alela - CORDIO East Africa 
9. Kareen Andriantsiferana - WWF Madagascar
10. Sheila Ruto - Wetlands International 
11. Corrine Huynh - SWIOTUNA
12. Pending Nominee - Western Indian Ocean Marine
Science Association 
13. Nancy Mungai - GIZ 
14. Grace Mbogo - GIZ

Task Team 3

Enhances the development and execution of the
OBF strategy through Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning. It
works closely with the task teams and innovation teams to
ensure alignment and integration of monitoring and evaluation
activities.

Members
1. Obakeng Molelu - Western Indian Ocean Marine
Science Association 
2. Agnes Mukami - Nairobi Convention Secretariat 
3. Tuqa Jirmo - The Nature Conservancy 
4. Dresy Lovasoa - WWF 
5. Sophie Masipa - World Ocean Council

Programs