• Côte d’Ivoire committed to building a connected network of 6 new Marine Protected Areas, which will cover 20% of the EEZ and designed to maximize biodiversity, fisheries and feasibility.
  • Ghana presented the recently gazetted Greater Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area
  • São Tomé and Principe presented the recently gazetted Santana and Ilhéu das Rolas Marine Protected Areas.
  • Gabon announced the launch of a marine spatial planning process aimed at achieving 30 percent ocean protection by 2027, to be supported by a blue bond financing mechanism.
  • Mozambique reaffirmed its commitment to advance the National Marine Conservation Strategy through final review and towards implementation as a long-term framework for area-based ocean protection.
  • Madagascar committed to converting five MPAs – Sorkay, Tandavandriva Nosy Be, Ria i Androy (Atimo Vatae), Baie de Diego, and Mer d’Émeraude – from temporary to permanent status, with gazettement anticipated by 2028.
  • Comoros committed to protect 30% of Comoros’ EEZ by 2030, expanding highly protected marine areas to approximately 50,000 km².
  • Tanzania formalized two significant milestones. The North-East and South-East Marine Conservation Areas off Pemba, Zanzibar – committed at last year’s UN Ocean Conference – have now been officially gazetted, together spanning 1,300 km² of mixed-use zones. Tanzania also committed to begin the process of designating Kilwa MPA, a proposed area of between 1,000 and 2,500 km² that would protect 180 km² of climate-resilient coral reefs, an Important Shark and Ray Area, and an Important Marine Mammal Area.
  • Kenya committed to finalizing the country’s draft marine conservation, restoration, and governance regulations. The regulations will include provisions for the recognition and support of community-led Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), among other mechanisms, providing a clear pathway towards the 30×30 goal through inclusive conservation efforts.