Twelfth Conference of the Parties to the Nairobi Convention
Advancing regional cooperation for thriving coasts, resilient communities and a sustainable blue economy across the Western Indian Ocean.
Towards Sustainable Blue Economy in the WIO Region for People and Nature: A Journey of Forty Years
A defining moment for the Western Indian Ocean
Every four decades of shared work deserves a place to gather. COP12 brings Contracting Parties, ministers, scientists, coastal communities, development partners and the private sector to Dar es Salaam to review progress, agree the decisions ahead and strengthen the cooperation that keeps this ocean healthy.
Over four days the meeting moves from technical focal-point sessions through youth, women and business forums to a high-level ministerial dialogue — closing with the celebration of forty years of the Nairobi Convention.
Explore the four days →Ocean Governance
Shared policy, coordination and regional cooperation across ten Contracting Parties.
Sustainable Blue Economy
Investment, innovation, livelihoods and the sustainable use of marine resources.
Climate Resilience
Protecting marine ecosystems, coastal communities and the resources they depend on.
Partnerships & Finance
Mobilising collaboration, investment and collective action for the region.
Four days, one agenda
Focal Points and Partners Meeting
Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre- WIO-C
- FARI
- AUC
- COMESA
- EAC
- IGAD
- SADC
- IOC-COI
- PMAESA
- EU
- SIDA
- Comoros
- France
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- Tanzania
- South Africa
Participation statistics
Where the coast meets conservation, culture and adventure
Stay a few days longer. Most of these places are a short domestic flight from Dar es Salaam, and the northern circuit can be reached in a morning.
Serengeti
Experience one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations and the annual great migration.
Explore →
Kilimanjaro
Discover Africa’s highest mountain — a free-standing peak above the Tanzanian plains.
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Zanzibar
Turquoise water, historic Stone Town and a tropical island culture built on the monsoon trade.
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Ngorongoro
A collapsed volcanic caldera holding one of the densest concentrations of wildlife on earth.
Nyerere National Park
Tanzania’s largest park, reached from Dar es Salaam by road or a short charter flight.
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania’s vibrant coastal city, harbour and gateway to the Indian Ocean.
Tarangire
Ancient baobabs and one of Africa’s largest elephant herds, a short drive from the northern circuit.
Mafia Island
A protected marine park where whale sharks and coral reefs anchor the Southern Indian Ocean’s blue economy.
Culture, food and experiences
Things worth an evening or an afternoon, without leaving the coast.
Tanzanian cuisine
Grilled seafood, pilau and street food along the Kivukoni waterfront.
Swahili culture
Coastal music, language and craft shaped by centuries of Indian Ocean trade.
Indian Ocean beaches
Kigamboni, Bongoyo Island and the reefs a short boat ride from the city.
Wildlife & safari
Mikumi, Nyerere and the northern parks, all reachable from Dar es Salaam.
Traditional arts & music
Tingatinga painting, Makonde carving and live taarab and bongo flava.
Historic sites
Stone Town, Bagamoyo and the colonial-era buildings of the old harbour.
The venue
All four days of COP12 take place at JNICC in the centre of Dar es Salaam — plenary halls, the exhibition floor and the side-event rooms are all under one roof, a short walk from the harbour and the main city hotels.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Hotels near the venue
All within the city centre or Oyster Bay. Delegate rates and the official booking contact are being confirmed by the secretariat — distances below are approximate.
Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro
Harbour-facing rooms a few minutes on foot from JNICC.
Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam
Established conference hotel with gardens and meeting space.
Johari Rotana
High-rise hotel close to the diplomatic quarter.
Golden Tulip Dar City Centre
Mid-range option with easy access to the venue.
DoubleTree by Hilton Oyster Bay
Quieter seafront district north of the centre.
Harbour View Suites
Serviced apartments overlooking the harbour, suited to longer stays.
New Africa Hotel
Long-standing city-centre hotel opposite the harbour front.
Protea Hotel Courtyard
Quiet courtyard hotel between the centre and the seafront.
Ramada Resort Dar es Salaam
Beachfront resort north of the city for a longer stay.
Slipway Hotel
Waterfront hotel beside the Slipway shops and restaurants.
Getting around Dar es Salaam
Your simple guide to reaching JNICC and moving around the city. Ride-hailing is the easiest option for most delegates.
Download the Bolt application from your app store.
Create an account or log in with your existing details.
Enter your destination: Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC).
Choose your preferred vehicle category.
Confirm your pickup location.
Check the driver's vehicle and registration details before entering.
Follow the trip through the Bolt application.
- Confirm vehicle and driver details before entering.
- Share your trip when appropriate.
- Keep your phone and belongings secure.
- Use official pickup and drop-off points where available.
Contact the secretariat
Need assistance during COP12? These desks are staffed from 6 to 9 October.
Vice President Office
Vice president Office
Vice President Office
Vice President Office
Vice President Office