From Marine Biologist to Movement Builder: Alwande Dube on Why Youth Belong in Conservation Decisions Today
- Marine Protection & Biodiversity
Our Ocean Conference 2026 (OOC11) brings together governments, Indigenous Peoples, coastal communities, youth, scientists, civil society and the private sector to advance commitments for ocean protection and sustainable ocean governance.
Hosted by the Government of Kenya in Mombasa from 16–18 June 2026, this marks the first time the conference will take place on African soil.
With more than 3 billion people depending on the ocean for food and livelihoods, accelerating climate impacts, and persistent inequities in fisheries, conservation and climate finance, OOC11 is a critical moment to strengthen coordination, elevate community leadership and influence decision-making processes at a global level.
Gaps in Global Ocean Policy
Global ocean governance still does not adequately reflect the rights, knowledge and priorities of ocean-dependent communities, despite the urgency created by accelerating climate impacts, biodiversity loss and deepening inequalities in ocean use and access.
By participating in OOC11, Rise Up will work to ensure that participation is not symbolic but transformative—strengthening collective influence, improving access to decision-making spaces and helping ensure that global ocean commitments translate into meaningful outcomes for diverse coastal voices and ocean-dependent communities.
Ahead of OOC11, RISE UP and partners hosted an online preparatory session designed to support civil society organizations, community leaders and movement partners to better understand the conference process, key themes and opportunities for engagement.
The session provided an overview of the Our Ocean Conference, including major focus areas, governance discussions and expected outcomes, while also creating space for dialogue, connection and shared learning across participants. The webinar helps to strengthen collective understanding, support alignment across stakeholders and ensure that community voices are informed and better positioned to engage with or respond to conference outcomes.
Aligning with the Conference Areas of Action
Our Ocean Conference is structured around six globally recognized Areas of Action that guide dialogue, commitments and partnerships across each edition of the conference, ensuring continuity and coherence in global ocean governance.
At OOC11, RISE UP will align its engagement with three of these areas as a strategic opportunity to elevate and integrate community perspectives, while strengthening accountability, justice and inclusion within global ocean decision-making spaces.
Supporting sustainable fisheries governance through community-led approaches that protect marine ecosystems while advancing the rights, livelihoods and food security of small-scale fishing communities.
Championing equitable and community-led ocean–climate action through local adaptation, blue carbon ecosystems and just transition approaches that support healthy oceans and resilient coastal communities.
Strengthening community participation, transparency and accountability in marine conservation and ocean governance processes, including BBNJ implementation, Areas Based Management Tools and opposition to Deep-Sea Mining.
The RISE UP working session on 16 June will convene ocean-dependent communities, civil society organizations, youth leaders, partners and policy actors in a focused space for accountability, alliance and action during OOC11.
Centered around these three interconnected themes — plus emerging ocean policies — the session will explore accountability gaps, strengthen coordination across movements and support collective advocacy beyond the conference.
📌 Stay tuned for more info
📄 Limited space available, RSVP here
Follow live updates, daily reflections, interviews and conference highlights through RISE UP’s social media channels throughout OOC11.
We welcome opportunities to connect with members, allies, funders, media and organizations attending OOC11.
📩 Contact us
🤝 Request a meeting
RISE UP is preparing a second issue of “Frontlines of the Blue Future” a digital publication highlighting practical, community-led ocean–climate solutions.
We are seeking organizations advancing:
While submissions are open globally, we especially encourage initiatives across Africa ahead of the Our Ocean Conference in Kenya.
Why Participate?
Your submission entries will feature in the digital showcase with credited links to your organization and platforms.
⏰ Extended deadline: 27 May 2026
Our Ocean Conference has its very own toolkit to support partners, delegates and attendees to amplify key messages, share updates and contribute to a coordinated global conversation. It provides ready-to-use resources to help highlight ocean action, community leadership and commitments ahead of and during the conference.
Download the Toolkit
