DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 7 -- THE United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has stressed the importance of regional cooperation among Western Indian Ocean countries, saying the shared nature of the ocean makes joint action essential in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

UNEP Deputy Executive Director, Ms Elizabeth Mrema, made the remarks yesterday while addressing the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Nairobi Convention, which is marking 40 years of regional cooperation in managing and protecting the Western Indian Ocean.

The four-day meeting has brought together representatives from 10 contracting parties and various stakeholders to address challenges affecting the Western Indian Ocean and advance the su...