The High Seas Treaty entered into force in January 2026, and with the first Conference of the Parties (COP1) approaching, the focus is turning to implementation. African scientists, civil society and governments bring expertise and priorities that will be central to making the Treaty work.
On the margins and at the Nairobi Convention’s twelfth Conference of the Parties (COP12), the High Seas Alliance is co-hosting two events:
Africa Civil Society Capacity-Building Workshop on the BBNJ Agreement
4–5 October 2026, Dar es Salaam (by invitation)
This two-day workshop brings together African civil society organizations to build working knowledge of the Treaty, share experience on ratification and implementation, and plan joint engagement ahead of COP1. To find out more, contact Hellen Kuria, HSA Africa Regional Coordinator, at hellen@highseasalliance.org.
Science for BBNJ Implementation in Africa: Closing Knowledge Gaps and Building Partnerships for the High Seas
(open to all COP12 participants)
Co-organised with ANDR, WIOMSA, WildTrust, Namibia Nature Foundation and Blue Marine Foundation, this panel will look at the science the Treaty needs and how African researchers and institutions can lead it, from filling data gaps to new partnerships, funding and technology sharing.
Date: 6th October 2026
Time: 10:30-12:00
Venue: Saadani Room, Julius Nyerere International Conference Center
