Coastal and marine protection in the Western Indian Ocean region and promotion of an inclusive and sustainable blue economy

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

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Abstract: The coastal and marine ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean are home to unique biological diversity. At the same time, they are important for the food security and economic development of the over 60 million people who live in the coastal states of the region. These are Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Seychelles, the Comoros, Mauritius and Réunion (France). Increased global demand for natural resources such as fish, and negative factors like pollution, climate change and unsustainable economic activities are threatening the regionâ??s coastal and marine resources. Collective leadership between states, the private sector and civil society actors is crucial for an inclusive and sustainable blue economy and ultimately for conserving biodiversity in the region.