The Western Indian Ocean region ranks as one of the world’s richest and most biodiverse ocean areas. Coral reefs, mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass beds, as well as pelagic and deep-sea habitats generate high biodiversity and productive waters which in turn support economies and livelihoods. The importance of the ocean to the people of the region cannot be overstated: over a quarter of the population, some 60 million people, lives within 100km of the shoreline. The region is now at a crossroads as leaders face crucial decisions.
This report Reviving the Western Indian Ocean Economy: Actions for a Sustainable Future details the values of the ocean assets, the growing threats they face and the priority actions needed to provide a more certain and sustainable future for its people.