Experts and Government officials have adopted a strategy known as the Moroni declaration, which outlines a common vision and commitment to promoting the blue economy as a key driver of growth, innovation and resilience in Africa.
This is contained in a statement by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
The declaration was adopted after a historic ministerial meeting took place on June 14 in Moroni, the capital city of the Comoros,
The declaration, the ECA said, outlined a common vision and commitment to promoting the blue economy as a key driver of growth, innovation and resilience in Africa.
The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of oceans, rivers and lakes resources for economic and social benefits while preserving the health and diversity of marine ecosystems.
According to the ECA, the blue economy can contribute up to 1.5 trillion dollars to the global economy if effectively and sustainably managed.
It said Africa had a unique position in the global blue economy.
” With 38 coastal states, 90 per cent of its imports and exports conducted by sea, and an estimated value added of 100 billion dollars generated by coastal tourism by 2030.
”The continent also has 49 million jobs currently generated in the blue economy sectors, and a projected value of 405 billion dollars by 2030,”it said.
The statement said the implementation of the Great Blue Wall initiative was also discussed at the meeting.
It said:”This offers an Africa-driven roadmap to enhance maritime security and governance and support coastal communities in adapting to climate change and building resilience.”
To implement the Moroni declaration, it said participants agreed to deepen trade relationships between Island States and other States throughout the AfCFTA.
”This will done by expanding the regional maritime security architecture for the Western Indian Ocean and advocating for increased public and private investment
”In sustainable coastal and marine value chains, promoting, among others, responsible and sustainable fisheries, green infrastructures, ecotourism, renewable energies, and blue innovation.
”The Moroni declaration will serve as a basis for engaging with other regions and stakeholders in advancing the blue economy agenda at the global level.
”The declaration is expected to be endorsed by global leaders during global events such as the 2023 African Climate Action Summit to be held in Kenya.
”The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, and during the Conference of Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda,” it said.
The acting Executive Secretary of ECA, Antonio Pedro said this initiative had the potential to unlock livelihood opportunities for 70 million people in the Western Indian.
Pedro said this could be done by conserving and restoring critical marine and coastal ecosystems, enhancing socio-ecological resilience, and developing a regenerative blue economy,
“We aspire to create a future where people in our coastal communities thrive, and lead prosperous and healthy lives while preserving our precious biodiversity and respecting cultural practices related to the sea,” he said.
On the path to turning weaknesses into strengths, President Assoumani highlighted how coastal and island states faced many challenges.
He listed the challenges to include, climate change, illegal fishing, piracy, pollution, overexploitation of resources, lack of infrastructure and skills, and weak institutional and regulatory frameworks.
He however said that island states could turn their weaknesses into strengths and opportunities by leveraging their unique advantages and potential.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission(AUC), Musa Mahama, appealed for the implementation of the African Union Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change and Development 2022-2032.
Mahama said that this strategy was crucial for achieving sustainable development and addressing the challenges posed by climate change in Africa.
He also urged them to pursue a low-carbon development path, in line with the African Union Green Recovery Action Plan for Sustainable Development.
“Today African countries have the opportunity to redirect their development towards a low-carbon a low-carbon development path”, he said
The Moroni ministerial Conference was organised by the Government of Comoros in partnership with the AUC, ECA, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
