Combating pollution in Zanzibar
At the initiative of the Indian Ocean Commission, a conference entitled “Emergency Response to Marine Pollution in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO)” has been underway since Monday, January 19, 2026. Furthermore, the obligation, in effect since January 17, 2026, to respect the High Seas Treaty compels countries to harmonize their resources for responding to pollution incidents in international waters. This comprehensive approach to maritime space thus requires neighboring states to adapt their capabilities to extend their reach even further. To find new solutions, experts from ten countries in the region, as well as public decision-makers from the affected states, have been meeting in Zanzibar from Monday until Sunday (January 19-25, 2026).
A document is to be drafted. “The Regional Contingency Plan for preparedness and response to marine pollution incidents will then be submitted to the 12th Conference of the Parties to the Nairobi Convention in 2026, a major decision-making body for the protection of the region’s shared marine environment,” the IOC press release shared by topfm.mu specifies.
