The oil and gas industry (upstream, midstream and downstream) is showing considerable growth in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, representing both economic opportunity as well as significant risks in terms of the negative impacts on the coastal and marine environment. The deep-sea discoveries have brought about new and ambitious targets in oil and gas exploration and production in the region with positive developments. However, the operational challenges facing the oil and gas development are immense. These include:  Inadequate management tools, guidelines, and resources to support legal, regulatory, and institutional framework in the region.  Inadequate capacity to address local content, exploration and production technology, research and development.  Insufficient level of public awareness, participation and sensitization with regards to the development of the oil and gas industry.  Inadequate capacity and competence in managing the oil and gas value chain.  Inadequate environmental, safety, waste and resources management systems to ensure sustainable development of the oil and gas industry in the region.  Inadequate dispute mechanisms to handle oil and gas related disputes.  Constraints in managing terrestrial and marine conservation areas, national parks and forest reserves including their constituent biodiversity.