Activity under preparation Sustainable Western Indian Ocean Programme (SWIOP) The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region stretches from the Gulf of Aden to the Mozambique Channel, encompassing a variety of large and small states. Its diversity marine biodiversity supports burgeoning coastal populations and the economy of many coastal states. Despite the wealth of its waters, the biodiversity and resources of the WIO have been increasingly threatened by different (natural and manmade) factors, from rising waters temperatures to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Taken together, these challenges have been limiting the potential for a sustainable (blue) development and growth in the region.The EU and WIO countries have a common interest in improving ocean governance and supporting a sustainable, inclusive, climate-resilient Blue Economy (BE) in an approach underpinned by the Global Gateway (GG), as well as international and regional priorities. Taking a regional approach, this Action intends to achieve three interconnected specific objectives (SOs) covering SO1: ocean governance, including fisheries management, SO2: investment in a sustainable blue economy including strengthening the Global Gateway `blue¿ value chains and infrastructure, and SO3: improve ocean ecosystem resilience and blue carbon capture.¿The Action will notably contribute to SO 5 of the Regional MIP (¿Improve the sustainable use and management of oceans, coastal zones, river basins and lakes¿), in particular its results 5.1 related to ocean and water governance, 5.2 on integrated water resource management and sustainable blue economy and 5.3 on conservation and restoration of ocean, coastal, transboundary wetlands and inland water ecosystems. By so doing, the Action will also contribute to the achievement of several SDGs, in particular SDG 14 (Life under water) but also to SDG 8 (Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all) and SDG 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts).