Seychelles’ Environment Minister Marie-May Jeremie will deliver the keynote address at a regional ocean governance webinar. The event forms part of the WIO@40 Legacy Dialogues.
The event marks 40 years of the Nairobi Convention. It will bring together policymakers and scientists. They will discuss the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement in the Western Indian Ocean region.
The first webinar is titled “BBNJ Agreement: What Path for the WIO Region towards Implementation?”. It will take place on 17 March 2026.
Organisers say the dialogue will examine how countries in the Western Indian Ocean can move towards implementing the global agreement. The agreement focuses on marine biodiversity beyond national waters.
“The WIO@40 Webinar Series brings together ocean leaders, scientists and changemakers from across the Western Indian Ocean to reflect on four decades of progress,” organisers said in a statement.
They added that the discussions will focus on ocean governance and regional cooperation.
“These monthly dialogues will spotlight regional success stories and inspire action for people and planet,” the organisers said.
As keynote speaker, Jeremie will address participants on the regional path towards implementing the BBNJ Agreement. She currently serves as Seychelles’ Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources.
The webinar will also feature Jeremy Raguain, a Seychellois expert working with the Alliance of Small Island States.
Other speakers include Sinikinesh Beyene Jimma from the United Nations Environment Programme and Joseph Maina in Australia.
Organisers say the series will bring together experts from across the region. They will discuss ocean governance, climate resilience and the future of the Western Indian Ocean.
The webinar will begin at 14:00 East Africa Time, 15:00 Seychelles time, and 13:00 South Africa time, and will run for about 90 minutes.