THE 3RD AQUATIC RESOURCES & BLUE ECONOMY CONFERENCE (ARBEC III)
Theme: Science, Innovation and Partnerships for Resilient Blue Economies
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📅 23–27 November 2026 | 📍 Nairobi, Kenya 1000+ Expected Participants • 45+ Countries • 300+ Research Presentations |
About ARBEC III
ARBEC III is East Africa's premier scientific platform for advancing research, policy, and innovation in sustainable aquatic resource management. The conference brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to address urgent challenges facing Africa's inland and marine ecosystems, with particular emphasis on African Regional Biodiversity and Ecosystem Change.
Evolution of the ARBEC Series
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ARBEC I (2022, Kisumu): Laid the groundwork by convening 350+ researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to establish scientific frameworks and identify priority research agendas for evidence-based blue economy governance. ARBEC II (2024, Kisumu): Expanded reach and impact, attracting 500+ participants from 30 countries who presented 300+ research abstracts. Generated substantial policy dialogue and synthesized research findings informing decision-making across regional economic communities. ARBEC III (2026, Nairobi): Advances with sharper thematic focus and greater integration, strategically centering on high-impact economic sectors reinforced by cross-cutting themes essential to sustainable development. |
Why Nairobi?
Nairobi, Kenya's capital and a leading hub for international development and environmental governance, presents exceptional advantages for hosting ARBEC III:
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🌍 Strategic Significance • Home to UNEP headquarters and UN Office at Nairobi • Regional HQ for international environmental organizations • Hub for AU and EAC initiatives • Presence of World Bank, FAO, IFAD |
🏛️ Institutional Partners • KMFRI Headquarters and research network • Universities and partner institutions • Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy & Maritime Affairs • Kenya Wildlife Service, NEMA and partner institutions |
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✈️ Accessibility & Infrastructure JKIA - major African aviation hub with 50+ international destinations • World-class conference facilities • Wide accommodation options • Modern telecommunications and logistics support |
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Seven Thematic Tracks
ARBEC III is organized around seven interconnected research tracks, each addressing priority knowledge gaps and implementation challenges:
Track 1: Sustainable Fisheries & Aquatic Food Systems
Advancing the science of fisheries management, value chain optimization, and nutritional security.
Topics: Stock assessment methodologies, co-management frameworks, post-harvest loss reduction, small-scale fisheries livelihoods, IUU fishing prevention.
Track 2: Climate-Smart Aquaculture
Exploring innovations in aquaculture science and technology for production sustainability and climate adaptation.
Topics: Hatchery technology, climate-adapted species, feed formulation, biosecurity, integrated aquaculture.
Track 3: Blue Tourism & Nature-Based Enterprises
Investigating the intersection of biodiversity conservation, nature-based solutions, tourism development, and community wellbeing.
Topics: Ecotourism impacts, community-based natural resource management, coastal spatial planning.
Track 4: Governance, Policy & Finance
Examining institutional frameworks, legal instruments, and financing mechanisms for blue economy development.
Topics: Evidence-based policymaking, transboundary governance, blue finance instruments.
Track 5: Technology, Data & Digital Innovation
Evaluating emerging technologies and data systems for improved resource management.
Topics: Remote sensing, AI applications, IoT monitoring, blockchain traceability, citizen science.
Track 6: Climate Resilience & Ecosystem Health
Advancing understanding of climate impacts and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies.
Topics: Climate change impacts, ecosystem restoration, invasive species management
Track 7: Community Engagement, Equity & Capacity Building
Strengthening the social dimensions of blue economy research and practice.
Topics: Gender equality, youth engagement, indigenous knowledge integration, participatory research methodologies.
Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities
ARBEC III welcomes partnerships with organizations committed to advancing blue economy science and sustainable development.
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Level |
Contribution |
Recognition & Benefits |
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💎 Platinum |
≥$100,000 |
Title partner recognition; speaking opportunity; premium exhibition space (20m²); 12 registrations; prominent branding across all materials and media |
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🥇 Gold |
$50,000–99,999 |
Major partner recognition; panel participation; 15m² exhibition space; 8 registrations; branding on selected materials |
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🥈 Silver |
$25,000–49,999 |
Partner recognition in programme and website; 10m² exhibition space; 6 registrations |
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🥉 Bronze |
$10,000–24,999 |
Logo placement; 6m² exhibition space; 4 registrations |
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🪸 Coral |
$5,000–9,999 |
Logo recognition; small exhibition presence; 2 registrations |
Important Dates
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Milestone |
Date |
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Call for Abstracts Opens |
15 February 2026 |
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Abstract Submission Deadline |
31 May 2026 |
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Early Bird Registration Begins |
30 June 2026 |
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Notification of Acceptance |
15 July 2026 |
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Final Programme Released |
1 October 2026 |
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Conference Dates |
23–27 November 2026 |
Registration Fees (USD)
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Category |
EAC |
Africa |
International |
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Early Bird Registration |
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Regular |
$70 |
$110 |
$270 |
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Student |
$50 |
$70 |
$150 |
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Regular Registration |
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Regular |
$100 |
$140 |
$300 |
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Student |
$50 |
$70 |
$150 |
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SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT & REGISTER 📧 Email: 🌐 Website: https://www.kmfri.go.ke/index.php/arbec-3 |
Conference Chair: Dr. Paul Sagwe Orina, Director General, KMFRI
Conference Coordinator: Dr. Chrispine Nyamweya
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) • P.O. Box 81651-80100, Mombasa, Kenya