Kenya, Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties in Coral Reef Protection at UNEA-7
Dr. Barasa emphasized the shared commitment between the two nations, noting that the discussions centred on enhancing cooperation on coral reef protection and expanding joint environmental stewardship efforts
By : Mweru Mbugua
Kenya and Saudi Arabia have opened new fronts for collaboration in coral reef conservation and broader environmental protection following high-level bilateral talks held on the sidelines of the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Dr. Deborah Barasa met with Dr. Khaled Asfaham, CEO of SHAM and Co-Chair of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), to discuss strategic areas of partnership
The meeting was also attended by Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno
Dr. Barasa emphasized the shared commitment between the two nations, noting that the discussions centred on enhancing cooperation on coral reef protection and expanding joint environmental stewardship efforts
A key highlight of the talks was the upcoming 2026 UN Oceans Conference, which Kenya is honoured to host
The two delegations explored opportunities for collaboration ahead of the global meeting, particularly as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the subsequent Oceans Conference in Riyadh in 2027
“We examined areas of collaboration as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the subsequent conference in 2027, ensuring continuity, shared learning and strengthened global ocean governance,” Dr. Barasa stated.
The Cabinet Secretary also briefed the Saudi delegation on Kenya’s three resolutions at UNEA-7 Sport and the Environment, Artificial Intelligence, and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
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She further reaffirmed Kenya’s active role in the global negotiations toward a binding treaty to end plastic pollution
UNEA-7, held at the UN Environment Programme headquarters in Nairobi, brings together delegates from more than 190 countries under the theme “Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution”
The assembly remains the world’s top decision-making forum on environmental matters
As host nation, Kenya continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global environmental priorities and nurturing partnerships aimed at safeguarding critical ecosystems such as coral reefs, wetlands, forests, and marine habitats
