Rare at the 2026 Our Ocean Conference

June 16 –18 | Mombasa, Kenya

Overview

Rare at the 2026 Our Ocean Conference

The Our Ocean Conference is an international gathering of national governments, international organizations, and ocean advocates making commitments to support tangible progress toward a healthier ocean. Since 2014, when the conference was started by former US Secretary of State John Kerry, the Our Ocean Conference has become a global call to action for the ocean, mobilizing over 2,900 commitments worth approximately $169 billion (USD).

This year’s conference is a defining moment for ocean leadership, with a theme – Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future – that celebrates and underscores the interconnected nature of people and the ocean. Kenya is hosting the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11), on the vibrant Swahili coast, marking the first time the conference is held on African soil.

Rare’s delegation to Our Ocean, which is led by Dr. Atanasio Brito, VP of Rare Mozambique, will highlight the importance of local community and government leadership to achieve 30×30, elevate bright spots from communities in the Western Indian Ocean region, and start building a blue thread to be carried forward into the latter half of 2026 and beyond.

Story Spotlight

The Tide We Turn: How Mozambique’s fishers are protecting the ocean

Along Mozambique’s coast, small-scale fishers face shifting tides — stronger cyclones, dwindling catches, and threatened marine ecosystems. In this film, community leaders Muaija, Juma and Jubeta share how they are reviving mangroves, creating marine reserves, organizing savings clubs, and strengthening local fisheries management.

Watch the video

Events

Where to find Rare at Our Ocean

All times are local (GMT +3) and subject to change. The official Our Ocean website has further details.

	Catalyzing Community-Led Ocean Action: A Learning Exchange for Western Indian Ocean Local Leaders Venue: Mombasa Continental Hotel Host: Rare Description: Local leaders from across the Western Indian Ocean will participate in a peer learning exchange on community-led ocean action to connect, elevate, and scale what works. (Invitation only)
	Capacity development and sharing for effective implementation of marine 30×30 Hosts: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), Rare, Blue Nature Alliance, EarthEcho International, Marine Protected Area (MPA) Capacity Community of Practice, WildAid, WIOMSA Description: With the understanding that multi-level capacity development is critical to achieving effective implementation of marine 30×30, and that local management linked with global policy frameworks can increase enduring and effective conservation outcomes, this interactive event will mobilize shared global conservation goals. Time: 10:30am-12:30pm Location: PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa
	Official Side Event — Making 30×30 Work: Community-Led Marine Protection Across Africa Hosts: Oceana, Blue Ventures, WILDTRUST, Together for the Ocean, Bloomberg Ocean Fund, Rare Time: 1:00pm-2:15pm Description: Spotlights African coastal states and local communities are turning global commitments into real-world results on the ground, featuring Mrs. Sofia Abdulremane Gulamo Daudo, Vice-President of the Sanculo Community Fisheries Council (CCP) and President of the Ovilelana Olipa Cooperative. Location: PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa
	Parametric Insurance in the Blue Economy Host: Sustainable Finance Coalition Description: Fireside chat style conversation focused on why parametric insurance is important, how it is defined, and how it can strengthen the flow of capital toward ocean-positive activities.
	Artisanal Stewardship of the Seas: African countries leading for sustainable fisheries Hosts: Blue Ventures, Bloomberg Ocean Initiative, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Ghana Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm Location: Mombasa Continental Resort Description: High-level event bringing together government officials from across Africa alongside small-scale fisher representatives to spotlight bold leadership and new commitments for sustainable fisheries and artisanal stewardship areas.
	Can we achieve 30×30? Pathways to delivering effective and equitable ocean conservation Hosts: International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity, Indigenous Information Network, and Oregon State University, IUCN-Marine; Marine Conservation Institute, Wildlands Conservation Trust (WILDTRUST), Rare Time: 9:00am-11:00am Description: Featuring Rare Mozambique Program Implementation Lead, Alice Costa Pires, this event will focus on how commitments made during the OOCs and elsewhere can translate into inclusive, lasting ocean protection that delivers real outcomes for marine biodiversity and human communities.
	Plenary Session: Combatting IUU through community-led solutions & science-based management Description: Moderated by Rare Mozambique Vice President Dr. Atanasio Brito, this conversation will feature success stories & lessons learned in combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Time: 11:30-12:45 Location: PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa
	Closing Reception Description: The NGO community in partnership with the Government of Kenya and the upcoming host of OOC12 are delighted to invite you to celebrate the accomplishments of the Our Ocean Conference held in Mombasa, Kenya. Enjoy an evening of networking and refreshments with an opening performance and brief remarks. Time: 7:00-9:00 pm

In the News

Coastal 500 reaches 500 member milestone

Launched in 2021, the global network of mayors and other local leaders committed to prosperous and thriving coastal communities and ecosystems continues to build the movement for locally-led marine protection.

At Our Ocean, Rare, Coastal 500 members, and other patners celebrate the completion of our official OOC commitment to reach 500 leaders.

Read the news

Delegation

Connect with us at Our Ocean

Rare’s delegation to Our Ocean Conference will include local leaders representing coastal communities, including members of the Coastal 500 network.

Atanasio Brito

VP, Mozambique

Rare

Carlos Arango

Director, Economic Resilience

Rare

Ms. Sofia Abdulremane Gulamo Daudo

VP Sanculo CCP

Mr. Joao Zampula

Mayor

Member, Coastal 500

Ms. Jubeta Mamudo Namaneque

Mayor

Member, Coastal 500

Alice Pires

Director, Program Implementation

Rare

Commentary

The future of ocean conservation lies in community leadership backed by science and philanthropy

Read the commentary

What "paper parks" reveal about conservation policy

Read the commentary

Community waters: How Honduras is advancing 30×30 in the ocean

Read the op-ed

Rare at the 2026 Our Ocean Conference | Rare