Our Ocean Conference 2026

The annual Our Ocean Conference brings together world leaders, scientists, advocates, and innovators to mobilize concrete commitments that help protect and restore marine ecosystems worldwide. This year, the Government of Kenya will host the eleventh Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa from June 16-18, marking the first time the conference has been held on African soil. The conference theme, Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future, highlights the connections between people and the ocean.

Ocean Visions is co-convening four side events on June 17th related to the conference’s Ocean-Climate Nexus Area of Action that together address the urgency of ocean-climate tipping points, the potential of marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), and the role of coastal innovation in climate resilience and economic development.

Ocean Visions' Co-hosted Events

Facilitating Responsible and Ambitious Action to Prevent Climate Tipping Points and Strengthen Ocean Resilience
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 10:00–11:30 AM EAT
Location: Mombasa Continental Resort, Shanzu Beach, Mombasa, Kenya
Co-organizers: Emerging Climate Frontiers

Marine ecosystems and cryosphere components are undergoing rapid and accelerating change, as warming, acidification, and deoxygenation increase the likelihood of non-linear shifts in systems that regulate the global climate. Scientific assessments warn that some are approaching thresholds beyond which change may become irreversible, including the loss of Arctic summer sea ice and the weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, which could disrupt rainfall patterns, fisheries, and coastal and agricultural systems, particularly across Africa and other regions of the Global South.

Rapid emissions reduction and large-scale carbon dioxide removal remain essential, but current projections suggest they may not be sufficient to prevent severe near-term disruption in certain climate-regulating systems. As evidence grows that some components of the Earth system may be approaching critical thresholds, attention is increasingly turning to how societies can reduce the risk of crossing climate tipping points and manage the consequences where change may already be underway. Research is expanding on approaches that may help slow or forestall these changes, yet public and policy discourse remains polarized. This session will explore how research, monitoring capacity, and governance frameworks can be strengthened to address emerging ocean–climate risks through informed, inclusive, and scientifically rigorous dialogue.

Ocean Visions will announce the continuation and expansion of the Arctic Sea Ice Restoration Research Fund, which has awarded $2.5 million USD to six research teams addressing priority knowledge gaps identified through the Ocean Visions Arctic Sea Ice Road Maps. The session will also launch the second cohort of the African Climate Intervention Fellowship for Early Career Researchers (ACIFER), which supports African-led research capacity in carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation modification.

Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Briefing for Decision-makers
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Time: 12:00–1:00 PM EAT (45-minute briefing followed by discussion and lunch)
Location: Mombasa Continental Resort, Shanzu Beach, Mombasa, Kenya

Register here → https://luma.com/3hrsodqq

Marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) is increasingly under consideration by national governments within their climate action plans as a potential complement to emissions reduction efforts. For many countries, the most immediate priority is building the scientific, regulatory, and policy capacity needed to assess emerging approaches and engage in international discussions from an informed position.

This invite-only briefing event is designed for government delegates at Our Ocean seeking a practical overview of mCDR approaches, current research and development efforts, and emerging Africa-led mCDR initiatives. These initiatives include the Africa mCDR Road Map and Partnership, focused on strengthening scientific and policy readiness for mCDR research, development, and demonstration. The event will also consider linkages of mCDR with industrial development, logistics, and national priorities, as well as associated governance challenges.

Advancing an African Partnership for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Research, Development, and Demonstration

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 1:30–3:00 PM EAT
Location: Mombasa Continental Resort, Shanzu Beach, Mombasa, Kenya
Co-organizers: Ocean Climate Innovation Hub Kenya, Technical University of Mombasa

Register here → https://luma.com/fmaq0mje

Africa faces escalating ocean-climate impacts while also possessing the scientific, ecological, and institutional assets to play a leading role in shaping the future of marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). Academic institutions, governments, and regional organizations across the continent increasingly recognize the need for Africa to proactively guide the research, governance, and investment agenda for mCDR — ensuring it aligns with the continent’s environmental realities, development priorities, and equity considerations.

This workshop brings together institutions developing the Africa mCDR Road Map and emerging African mCDR Partnership a proposed continental mechanism to support an Africa-led agenda for responsible mCDR research, development, and demonstration. The session will feature an overview of the Road Map, a panel discussion on priorities and Partnership design, and structured dialogue on how national governments, research institutions, regional bodies, and civil society can move from strategy to implementation.

This event will mark the start of the public consultation period for the Africa mCDR Road Map, which will run through July 16, 2026.

Ocean-Climate Innovation, Coastal Infrastructure, and Water Security

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 3:30–5:00 PM EAT
Location: Mombasa Continental Resort, Shanzu Beach, Mombasa, Kenya
Co-organizers: CINCO–Chile, Ocean Climate Innovation Hub Kenya, SAILOR

Register here → https://luma.com/donlpgs2

As climate pressures intensify, coastal regions across Africa and Latin America face rising risks to fisheries productivity, freshwater reliability, trade corridors, energy systems, and industrial operations. Strengthening these systems through integrated ocean-climate innovation is a strategic development priority — and coastal infrastructure, from ports and desalination facilities to energy hubs and industrial zones, can serve as powerful platforms for that innovation.

Drawing on case studies from Global Ecosystem for Ocean Solutions Ocean-Climate Innovation Hubs in Kenya, South Africa, and Chile, this event will highlight emerging opportunities across marine carbon dioxide removal, coastal ecosystem restoration, desalination technologies, watershed resilience, and resilient coastal infrastructure. The session will also explore financial perspectives on responsible ocean-climate innovation and how climate funds could support research and development.

Get Involved

Ocean Visions CEO Brad Ack and Senior Director, International Partnerships and Policy Leonardo Valenzuela Pérez will be on the ground in Mombasa throughout the Our Ocean Conference. Ocean-Climate Innovation Fellow Mariam Swaleh and Senior Fellow María José Urrutia will also be in attendance.

Resources

Coming Soon!