The sixth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Western Indian Ocean, organized from 29 March-1 April 2010, by the UN Environment Programme, was held under the theme “Sustaining Progress.” The Conference brought together ministers responsible for the environment and other government delegates from all ten contracting parties, along with experts, representatives of non-governmental organizations and civil society.

At the meeting, delegates adopted a 25-year programme of action aimed at ensuring efficient management of the marine and coastal environment in the larger Eastern and Southern African region. They also adopted a protocol amending the Convention to take into account new provisions on emerging issues, such as climate change and the need for an ecosystem-based management approach.
Links to further information
UNEP press release, 29 March 2010
UNEP press release, 1 April 2010