The Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Eastern African Region (Nairobi Convention) and its two protocols (Protected Areas and Wild Fauna and Flora in the Eastern African Region and Cooperation in Combating Marine Pollution in Cases of Emergency in the Eastern African Region). The convention that was adopted in June 22 1985 came into force in May 1996. Following their entry into force, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) convened the first meeting of the Contracting Parties in March 1997 in Seychelles and subsequently the Conference of Parties is held after two years to review the implementation of decisions of the COPs and to adopt the work program for the Nairobi Convention.