The meeting for the Forum for Heads of Academic and Research Institutions (FARI) was organized to discuss the role of FARI in the implementation of WIOSAP (Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the protection of the Western Indian Ocean from land-based sources and activities) and SAPPHIRE (Western Indian Ocean Large Marine Ecosystems Strategic Action Programme Policy Harmonization and Institutional Reforms) projects by promoting science to policy interface and access the support required in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 in the Western Indian Ocean region.