EAF-Nansen Programme turns 50 - Celebrating five decades of science and partnerships for sustainable ocean management

Mombasa, Kenya, 28–29 October 2025 – The EAF-Nansen Programme Forum 2025 concluded in Mombasa, marking the 50th anniversary of a remarkable partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Government of Norway, and partner countries in advancing sustainable fisheries and ocean science for improved food and nutrition security.

The two-day event brought together around 100 participants from 26 countries, including senior government officials, scientists, and regional partners from across Africa and the Bay of Bengal. Distinguished guests in the opening ceremony included Siv Cathrine Moe, Ambassador of Norway to Kenya, Charles Bebay, representing Nyabenyi Tito Tipo, FAO Representative a.i. in Kenya, and Paul Orina, Director General of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI).

Established in 1975, the Nansen Programme has worked with more than 60 countries to promote good practices for fisheries management, enhance marine research capacity, and support food and nutrition security through science-based and participatory approaches. Its three research vessels – each named Dr. Fridtjof Nansen – have conducted more than 400 ocean surveys that have generated vital data to guide fisheries policies and lay the foundations for sustainable fisheries management.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Siv Cathrine Moe reaffirmed that the ocean agenda remains a shared priority for Norway and Kenya, underscoring their joint commitment to sustainable marine management. In her keynote address, Vera Agostini, Deputy Director, FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, reiterated FAO’s support for this vision. “The Nansen Programme embodies the power of science and partnership in building a sustainable blue future,” she said.

During the Forum, participants shared success stories, shared experiences on regional collaboration, and explored future directions for sustainable fisheries under the themes of climate resilience, innovation, and food security.

Reflecting on the Programme’s long-standing impact, Meera Koonjul, Director of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries in Mauritius, highlighted its role in strengthening national capacities.

“The EAF Nansen Programme has been instrumental in strengthening our national capacity for Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management, enhancing our scientific capacities, and deepening our understanding of our ocean’s living marine resources. Mauritius values this partnership which aligns perfectly with our national vision for a sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy,” she said.

Similarly, Yara Rodrigues, Executive Director of the Institute of Marine Research (IMar) in Cabo Verde, emphasized the Programme’s global leadership in advancing marine science.

“In recent years, IMar’s participation has underscored the pivotal role of the Nansen Programme as a global leader in advancing sustainable ocean research. Through this collaboration, the Programme has driven innovation, strengthened scientific partnerships, and deepened our understanding of marine ecosystems,” she stated.

From the next generation of ocean scientists, Bouya M’Bengue, Chemical Oceanography Research Engineer at the Mauritanian Institute of Oceanographic Research and Fisheries (IMROP) and PhD student at the University of Cádiz, shared a personal reflection.

“Through the EAF-Nansen Programme and the invaluable training opportunity and support it provided, my experiences aboard the Dr. Fridtjof Nansen deepened my passion for ocean science, strengthened my research expertise, and inspired my commitment to sustainable marine exploration,” said M’Bengue.

Betsy Muthoni Njagi, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries, Fredrik Pharo, Deputy Director General, Norad, Merete Tandstad, EAF-Nansen Programme Coordinator, FAO, Vera Agostini, Deputy Director Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, FAO, joined by Paul Orina, Director General of KMFRI. ©KMFRI

The closing ceremony was officiated by Betsy Muthoni Njagi, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries. She was joined by Vera Agostini, Deputy Director, FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, Fredrik Pharo, Deputy Director General, Norad, and Nils Gunnar Kvamstø, CEO of the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR), who delivered a video message.

In her closing remarks, PS Betsy Njagi commended FAO, the Government of Norway, and Kenya’s Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs for their enduring collaboration. She applauded the Programme’s contribution to embedding the EAF as a global benchmark for sustainability and emphasized Kenya’s commitment to strengthening marine research and innovation under the Kenya–Norway MoU signed in 2024.

Forum participants playing the “Nansen Passport Game” that was featured in the Forum exhibition alongside a poster display and the 3D virtual tour of the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen. ©FAO/Matthieu Bernardon

Cutting the 50-year anniversary cake during the celebratory evening event that concluded the Forum. ©FAO/Matthieu Bernardon

Looking ahead, participants reaffirmed their shared vision to advance the Programme’s mission to support partner countries in safeguarding marine ecosystems and ensuring food security for generations to come.

 “Our collective efforts over the past five decades demonstrate what can be achieved when science, capacity development, and collaboration come together to build a sustainable future for our oceans,” said Merete Tandstad, the coordinator of the EAF-Nansen Programme.

About the Programme

The EAF-Nansen Programme, celebrating 50 years in 2025, is FAO and Norway’s longest-running fisheries development initiative. Executed with the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR), regional organizations, and 32 countries across Africa and the Bay of Bengal, it supports sustainable fisheries management for food and nutrition security.

It contributes to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and FAO’s vision for the Blue Transformation of aquatic food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.