Kate Walsh, actress and Oceana ambassador, has called for urgent global action to protect marine ecosystems and strengthen coastal livelihoods.
Walsh made the call during a keynote address at the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) in Mombasa, Kenya, where she joined global leaders, policymakers, scientists, conservationists and coastal communities to discuss the future of the world’s oceans.
“A few years ago, world leaders came together around an extraordinary commitment to protect at least 30 percent of the ocean by 2030,” Walsh said.
“But the deadline nears and we have fallen behind. Today, just 10 percent of the ocean is protected, and only about 3 percent is strongly protected. The gap between ambition and action remains significant.”
Walsh, best known for her role in the Television series called Grey’s Anatomy, noted the importance of community-led conservation and inclusive ocean governance
The actress said conservation efforts are most effective when local communities play leading roles, stressing that long-term marine protection depends on inclusive partnerships.
She said indigenous peoples, coastal communities, artisanal fishers, and local leaders must be given meaningful roles in decision-making processes on ocean conservation.
Walsh also urged urgent action to protect the oceans, noting that the marine ecosystem has sustained and connected humanity for generations.
“The ocean has always been there for us. It has fed us, protected us, connected us, and inspired us. Now it is our turn to be there for the ocean,” she said.