WIO Futures 2026 (2nd edition)
Building a Resilient Ocean Economy through Science, Policy, and Community
Date: 18-19 May 2026
Location: Caudan Arts Centre
Provisional Programme
The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) is a region of immense ecological, economic, and cultural significance. Home to globally important coastal ecosystems, coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows, it supports the livelihoods of over 60 million people who depend directly on fisheries, coastal tourism, and related ocean economies (Obura et al., 2021; UNEP-Nairobi Convention, 2015). Yet, the WIO faces acute pressures: climate change, biodiversity loss, overfishing, marine pollution, and increasing geopolitical contestations.
In this context, strengthening science–policy–community linkages is crucial to foster resilient, inclusive, and sustainable ocean governance. The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) provides a global framework, but region-specific approaches are needed to address the unique socio-ecological and geopolitical realities of the WIO (IOC-UNESCO, 2021).
WIO Futures 2026 seeks to provide a platform for dialogue, co-creation, and knowledge exchange across scientists, policymakers, and community actors. Building on lessons from global and regional processes and policies, the conference will highlight pathways for low-cost innovation, equitable capacity development, and inclusive governance to secure the future of the WIO ocean economy.
Objectives:
The aim of the WIO Future 2026 is to explore science-policy-community intersections to foster a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable ocean in the Western Indian Ocean, with emphasis on coastal ecosystems, low-cost innovation, capacity development, and governance.
Themes:
Ocean Science for Decision-Making
Sound scientific knowledge is the foundation of informed decision-making. This theme will explore how innovative, low-cost technologies and accessible monitoring systems can support WIO in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, fisheries management, and ecosystem degradation. Key discussions will include ocean analysis and forecasting, the potential of blue carbon ecosystems in climate mitigation, and integrated assessments of coastal socio-economic and environmental impacts. By bridging science with practical tools, the theme aims to highlight opportunities for applying research in policy and community contexts.
Sub-themes:
- Ocean preservation and restoration;
- Low-cost innovation;
- Ocean science research;
- Blue carbon potential;
- Coastal impacts- social, economic, and environmental.
Effective Governance
Effective governance frameworks are essential to harness the potential of the ocean economy while ensuring its sustainability. This theme will focus on the enabling role of policy and regional cooperation in advancing resilient ocean economies. It will examine mechanisms for regional integration, policy infrastructures that support sustainable development, and best practices in marine spatial planning and management of marine protected areas (MPAs). The theme also recognizes the growing importance of maritime security, diplomacy, and geopolitics in shaping WIO ocean governance and seeks to draw lessons from both regional and global initiatives.
Sub-themes:
- Regional cooperation;
- Policy infrastructure and frameworks;
- Ocean management (including MPAs);
- Maritime security;
Ocean diplomacy and geopolitics.
Community-Driven Ocean Management
Communities across the WIO are at the frontline of ocean stewardship. This theme will highlight how local actors, traditional knowledge systems, and cultural identity can inform and strengthen sustainable governance. By investing in ocean literacy, capacity development, and locally led innovations, WIO states can empower communities to act as key agents of change. Discussions will also consider how cultural and historical ties to the ocean can reinforce resilience and shared responsibility, ensuring that ocean governance is inclusive, equitable, and rooted in local realities.
Sub-themes:
- Communities as key actors of sustainable change;
- Local capability and capacity building;
- Ocean cultural identity and heritage;
Ocean literacy
Draft Programme of the WIO 2026 (2 Days)
Day 1 - Science for effective Policy making
09:00-10:30: Opening ceremony & keynote Address
10:30-10:45: BREAK
10:45-12:45: Expert Sessions (Themes 1 and 2)
12:45-13:45: Networking lunch & poster session
13:45-15:45: Keynote 2 and Fireside Chat - Ocean Policy & Governance: Regional cooperation, MPA & security
16:00-17:30: Reception
Day 2 - Communities and ways forward
09:00-10:00: Keynote 3- Communities as Stewards of the Ocean
10:15-12:15: Expert Sessions (Local innovation; Ocean literacy in schools; Heritage & identity)
10:30-10:45: BREAK
12:15-13:15: Networking lunch & exhibitions (NGOs, startups, tech solutions)
13:15-16:00: High-Level Roundtable- Building a Resilient Ocean Economy through Science, Policy & Community
16:00-17:00: Synthesis, Recommendations & Closing Session- Key messages and roadmap for WIO Futures
17:00: Conference closing & announcement of follow-up actions
Organising Committee
- Dr Shyam Madhusudhana; Research Scientist, Centre for Ocean and Earth Science and Technology
- Dr Myriam Blin, Head, Charles Telfair Centre
- Prof Christian Bueger. Professor of International Relations, University of Copenhagen
- Caroline Rault, President Odysseo Foundation
- Bernardo Nascimento, Manager, Odysseo Foundation
Yashvin Neehaul, Environmental Sustainability Manager, Eclosia Group
Register here by 5th May, 2026
