2025 has been an important and successful year for Edinburgh Ocean Leaders (EOL), with the launch of our five year Impact Report, and participation of Ocean Leaders (OLs) in some momentous events, including the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). In the last few months of 2025, OLs attended several other high profile events around the world, including the WIOMSA Scientific Symposium in Kenya, the IUCN World Conservation Congress in United Arab Emirates (UAE), and COP30 in Brazil. As well as being key forums for OLs to contribute to ocean issues, these events provide an opportunity for the EOL community to gather together and maintain connections across this unique global network. As the end of the year approaches, we reflect on these events, celebrate key individual achievements, and share some moments of OL community.
WIOMSA Scientific Symposium, Kenya
In September 2025, the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) 13th Scientific Symposium took place in Mombasa, Kenya. Every three years, this conference brings together scientists, policy makers and communities from across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. This year the theme was “One Ocean, One Future: Connecting People, Policy, and Science for a Thriving WIO”, emphasising collaboration between diverse stakeholders, and the balancing of ecological health with social and economic needs. Several OLs, including Yolanda Sanchez, Barkha Mossaë, Peter Manyara, Johnson Grayson, Imogen Napper and Willys Osore attended.
OL Spotlight: Yolanda Sanchez
Yolanda participated at WIOMSA through her role as Fund Engagement Manager for the OCEAN Grants Programme. Ahead of the conference, she visited a couple of grantee projects to better understand their work and meet the teams behind initiatives that integrate marine conservation, poverty reduction, and strong commitments to Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI). During the symposium, grantees shared their challenges and achievements at the side event “OCEAN Grants in Action: Community-led Marine Conservation in the Western Indian Ocean”, and later joined a networking activity designed to spark collaboration and connection between them. A particularly meaningful moment for Yolanda was reconnecting with other Edinburgh Ocean Leaders, adding an extra layer of inspiration to an already enriching week.
IUCN World Conservation Congress, UAE
Next up was the IUCN World Conservation Congress, held in October in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This event only happens every four years, and is a key global forum for experts in nature conservation. Over 10,000 individuals participated this year, including OLs Loreley Picourt and Alexis Grosskopf, who – amongst other activities – shared the stage as panel members for a session on Regenerative Blue Economy. Also in attendance was Willys Osore, who had a particularly special stage appearance.
OL Spotlight: Willys Osore
Willys and his colleagues from the Kiunga Marine National Reserve Ranger Team received the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) International Ranger Award, a recognition for their exceptional achievements in marine conservation in Kenya. The award celebrates those who are truly on the frontline of the biodiversity crisis, safeguarding ecosystems, species and local livelihoods in some of the most challenging circumstances.
Willys reflected on this achievement: “Receiving this award is a profound honor that shines a global spotlight on the dedication of our Kiunga Marine Team. It is a tremendous morale boost for my team and a vital acknowledgment that our work in Kiunga matters on the world stage. It fuels our commitment to ocean conservation and inspires the next generation of rangers to protect our blue planet.“
UN Climate Change COP30, Brazil
This year’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) took place in November in Belém, Brazil. Marking ten years since the landmark Paris Agreement of COP21, this event had a sense of particular significance in global climate policy. Although outcomes on emissions targets and phasing out of fossil fuels fell short of expections (and requirements), there were notable successes for the ocean. Ocean Leaders Jessie Turner, Daniel Cáceres Bartra and Loreley Picourt were part of a strong contingent of individuals and groups representing ocean issues at this years’ event.
OL Spotlight: Loreley Picourt
As Executive Director of the Ocean & Climate Platform, Loreley works at the forefront of ocean-based climate action, and has been able to reflect on the shifting role of the ocean within global climate negotiations.
“Ten years after Paris, COP30 in Belém reminded us of a hard truth: while political divisions continue to slow progress on fossil fuel phase-out, the ocean emerged as one of the most reliable and actionable pathways for climate ambition. Ocean-based climate action is no longer peripheral — it is one of the most mature, investable, and cross-cutting opportunity spaces we have. Ultimately, COP30 exposed the limits of our current multilateral system — one that must be reformed to be truly fit-for-purpose, bold, and inclusive. Yet there is hope, with real momentum arising from coalitions of the willing.”
