ARBEC III
Science, Innovation and Partnerships for Resilient Blue Economies
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.
The ARBEC Series
ARBEC I · Kisumu 2022
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 · Kisumu 2024
Expanded reach and impact, attracting 500+ participants from 30 countries who presented 300+ research abstracts. Generated substantial policy dialogue informing decision-making across regional economic communities.
ARBEC III · Nairobi 2026
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.
🌍 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 Liaison Office and research network
- Universities and partner institutions
- Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy & Maritime Affairs
- Kenya Wildlife Service, NEMA and partner institutions
✈️ Accessibility & Infrastructure
- JKIA — major African hub, 50+ international destinations
- World-class conference facilities
- Wide accommodation options
- Modern telecommunications and logistics support
Seven Thematic Tracks
ARBEC III is organized around seven interconnected research tracks, each addressing priority knowledge gaps and implementation challenges.
Sustainable Fisheries & Aquatic Food Systems
Topics: Stock assessment methodologies, co-management frameworks, post-harvest loss reduction, small-scale fisheries livelihoods, IUU fishing prevention.
Climate-Smart Aquaculture
Topics: Hatchery technology, climate-adapted species, feed formulation, biosecurity, integrated aquaculture.
Blue Tourism & Nature-Based Enterprises
Topics: Ecotourism impacts, community-based natural resource management, coastal spatial planning.
Governance, Policy & Finance
Topics: Evidence-based policymaking, transboundary governance, blue finance instruments.
Technology, Data & Digital Innovation
Topics: Remote sensing, AI applications, IoT monitoring, blockchain traceability, citizen science.
Climate Resilience & Ecosystem Health
Topics: Climate change impacts, ecosystem restoration, invasive species management.
Community Engagement, Equity & Capacity Building
Topics: Gender equality, youth engagement, indigenous knowledge integration, participatory research methodologies.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Abstracts Opens | 15 February 2026 |
| Abstract Submission Deadline | 31 May 2026 |
| Early Bird Registration Begins | 30 June 2026 |
| Notification of Acceptance | 15 July 2026 |
| Final Programme Released | 1 October 2026 |
| 🗓️ Conference Dates | 23–27 November 2026 |
Registration Fees (USD)
| Category | EAC | Africa | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration | |||
| Regular | $70 | $110 | $270 |
| Student | $50 | $70 | $150 |
| Regular Registration | |||
| Regular | $100 | $140 | $300 |
| Student | $50 | $70 | $150 |
Sponsorship & Partnership
ARBEC III welcomes partnerships with organizations committed to advancing blue economy science and sustainable development.
Contact & Organisers
CONFERENCE CHAIR
Dr. Paul Sagwe Orina
Director General, KMFRI
CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
Dr. Chrispine Nyamweya
HOST INSTITUTION
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)
P.O. Box 81651-80100, Mombasa, Kenya
PHONE
+254 (20) 8021561 / 712003853
Ready to contribute your research?
📄 Submit Your Abstract →