Faith Communities Launch Global Ocean Coalition in Mombasa to Strengthen Ocean Protection Efforts
MOMBASA, Kenya – June 2026 – Religious leaders, Indigenous custodians, fishers, environmental experts, and policymakers have launched a new Global Ocean Coalition of Faith Communities in Mombasa, Kenya, marking a significant step toward integrating spiritual and moral leadership into global ocean governance. The initiative was unveiled ahead of the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11), the first edition of the conference to be hosted on African soil.
The coalition seeks to mobilize faith communities worldwide to address pressing marine challenges, including climate change, overfishing, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, and the degradation of coastal ecosystems. Organizers emphasize that protecting the ocean is not only an environmental imperative but also a moral and cultural responsibility shared across religious traditions.
The launch took place during the Ocean Interfaith Forum in Mombasa, which brought together representatives from Islamic, Christian, Hindu, and Indigenous spiritual traditions, alongside scientists, conservation organizations, and government officials. The forum highlighted the deep historical and spiritual relationship between coastal communities and the ocean, particularly along the Swahili coast, where the sea has long been viewed as a source of identity, heritage, and livelihood.
Participants called for greater inclusion of local communities, traditional knowledge, and ethical values in ocean policy and conservation initiatives. The coalition aims to amplify community voices, promote environmental stewardship, and encourage collective action to safeguard marine resources for future generations.
The launch also aligns with the theme of the 2026 Our Ocean Conference, “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” which emphasizes the interconnected relationship between people, culture, and marine ecosystems. Kenya’s hosting of the conference represents a milestone for Africa’s growing leadership in ocean governance and the sustainable blue economy.
As global attention turns to Mombasa, the formation of the Global Ocean Coalition of Faith Communities signals a new dimension in marine conservation—one that recognizes the power of faith, ethics, and community engagement in driving meaningful and lasting ocean action. In a world facing escalating environmental pressures, the coalition seeks to ensure that the protection of the oceans becomes not only a scientific and political priority but also a shared moral commitment.
