X

African Nations Convene in Tangier to Harness Ocean's Potential for Sustainable Growth

African Nations Convene in Tangier to Harness Ocean's Potential for Sustainable Growth
Thursday 10 - 11:50
Zoom

The coastal city of Tangier, Morocco, recently played host to a groundbreaking event that brought together African nations to explore the vast potential of the ocean economy. The inaugural African Ocean Week, held in conjunction with the 3rd High-Level Ministerial Conference on the Blue Belt Initiative (BBI), saw representatives from 32 countries, including 16 ministerial delegations, converge to discuss strategies for sustainable development and job creation through ocean resources.

Morocco, a key player in the BBI, set the stage for this important gathering. Mohammed Sadiki, head of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Waters and Forests, opened the conference with a powerful message emphasizing the need for a united African approach to ocean resource management.

"We must transform the blue economy into a catalyst for economic and social growth," Sadiki declared, echoing the vision of King Mohammed VI to foster regional cooperation and sustainability. This sentiment resonated throughout the conference, which focused on the theme "Demand-Driven and Solutions-Oriented Approaches to Accelerating Blue Food and Blue Jobs in Africa."

The event attracted notable figures such as Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture at the African Union, underscoring the continental significance of the discussions. Participants delved into crucial challenges facing Africa's oceans, with a particular emphasis on enhancing food security and employment through sustainable fishing practices.

A major outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Tangier Declaration, a pivotal document that reaffirms the commitment of African nations to collaborative efforts in ensuring the blue economy supports both ecological integrity and economic prosperity. The declaration highlights the ocean's critical role in food security and economic development, calling for the integration of fisheries and aquaculture into national development strategies.

Sadiki stressed the importance of collective action against threats such as overfishing and pollution, emphasizing the need for enhanced scientific research and ocean monitoring. The declaration also advocated for increased participation in global initiatives such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the African Union's Agenda 2063, aiming to create a sustainable framework for the future.

The conference participants expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI for Morocco's proactive role in promoting South-South cooperation in the fisheries and blue economy sectors. This acknowledgment underscores Morocco's leadership in regional collaboration on ocean-related issues.

The Blue Belt Initiative, which now boasts 31 member states since its launch at COP22 in 2016, continues to serve as a vital platform for collaboration and resource mobilization in the realm of ocean economy.

As African nations look to the future, the outcomes of this conference in Tangier mark a significant step towards harnessing the ocean's potential for sustainable growth while preserving marine ecosystems. The collaborative spirit and shared vision demonstrated at the African Ocean Week set a promising precedent for the continent's approach to ocean resource management and economic development.


Read more