Faith Leaders Launch Global Ocean Coalition, Warn on Corruption at Coast

Faith leaders from different religious traditions have launched a global ocean conservation coalition in Mombasa.

They warned that corruption, overfishing, and climate change are putting coastal communities and marine ecosystems at risk.

The Faith High Ambition Coalition for Ocean Action emerged during the Interfaith Ocean Forum at Mombasa Continental Resort ahead of the Our Ocean Conference 2026.

The coalition unites faith-based organizations from around the world. Members aim to support marine conservation and promote sustainable use of ocean resources.

Faiths for Oceans Co-Lead Tariq Al-Olaimy said the coalition seeks to mobilize the moral influence, financial resources, and grassroots networks of faith communities.

“This is on one part an environmental question, but at the core of it, it is a human and moral question,” said Al-Olaimy.

“When our corals are bleaching and our oceans are rising and heating, it is now time to bring values of faith into the conversation.”

Faith Groups Push for Ocean Protection

Al-Olaimy said faith institutions manage large areas of land and oversee investments worth trillions of dollars globally. He said this places them in a strong position to support environmental protection.

The coalition plans to support sustainable fisheries, coral reef conservation, and marine ecosystem protection. It also supports the global target of protecting 30 per cent of the world’s oceans by 2030.

Meanwhile, religious leaders, conservation experts, community representatives, and traditional elders raised concerns about corruption and weak enforcement of environmental laws.

Participants said authorities must strengthen oversight of marine resources. They also called for greater public involvement in conservation programmes.

Leaders Link Corruption to Environmental Damage

Director of Interfaith Relations Reverend Father Dr Richard Airo said corruption has contributed to environmental degradation along Kenya’s coast.

“We have had a lot of pollution in the ocean area and sometimes even government institutions have been involved in misusing these areas due to corruption,” said Airo.

Airo also urged authorities to tackle youth unemployment in coastal communities. He said economic hardship drives unsustainable fishing practices that continue to deplete fish stocks.

“If the government can solve that problem, then even the ocean will be a better place because people will not depend excessively on fishing for survival,” he added.

Other speakers demanded greater accountability in the use of environmental conservation funds. They said some resources fail to reach projects meant to protect marine ecosystems.

Communities Demand a Bigger Voice

Traditional Kaya elder Kakuston Chivatsi Mwanyanje said local communities should play a greater role in marine conservation decisions.

“What is missing is full community involvement through meaningful public participation,” said Chivatsi.

He said indigenous communities hold valuable environmental knowledge. He argued that authorities often exclude them from conservation planning and management.

The forum also highlighted traditional conservation practices. Participants said these practices help protect marine ecosystems and strengthen resilience against climate change.

Representatives from the Hindu Council of Kenya and other faith groups stressed the economic value of Kenya’s coastline. They noted that the ocean supports trade, tourism, fisheries, and employment across the region.

Coalition Eyes Global Impact

Organisers described the Faith High Ambition Coalition for Ocean Action as the first global faith-led alliance focused solely on ocean conservation.

They said the coalition will work with governments, scientists, civil society groups, and coastal communities. The partnership aims to advance practical solutions to ocean degradation.

As preparations continue for the Our Ocean Conference 2026, participants expressed hope that faith communities will become a stronger force for marine conservation and sustainable livelihoods.