The 12th Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP12) is underway in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with a focus on exploring investment opportunities in the blue economy. The conference aims to promote sustainable use of marine resources, while ensuring environmental conservation. Tanzanian Minister of State in the Vice President's Office, Engineer Hamad Masauni, emphasized the importance of the conference in unlocking projects and programs that will stimulate investment in the blue economy.
The conference has brought together over 700 participants from within and outside Tanzania, including development partners, environmental stakeholders, and various economic sectors. For the first time in COP12 history, Tanzania has organized special sessions for women and youth to enhance their participation in blue economy activities, innovation, and technology adoption. These sessions aim to provide a platform for women and youth to build partnerships, share experiences, and establish business relationships.
Minister Masauni highlighted the potential of the blue economy to create jobs and increase income for citizens, as well as government revenue, if harnessed sustainably. He cited marine tourism as an example, which can increase tourist numbers and economic benefits. The minister also emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in promoting the blue economy. The conference has attracted development partners from various countries, providing an opportunity for Tanzania to seek funding for joint projects on sustainable marine resource management.
Zanzibar's Minister of State in the Second Vice President's Office, Khamis Juma Khamis, stressed the importance of cooperation among member states in addressing marine pollution and coral reef degradation, which threaten fish habitats and community livelihoods. He emphasized the need for collective action to protect the marine environment and promote sustainable use of marine resources.
The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Dr. Elizabeth Mrema, highlighted the importance of educating communities about marine conservation. She noted that plastic pollution is one of the major threats to marine life and communities that depend on these resources. Dr. Mrema emphasized the need for concerted efforts to address marine pollution and promote sustainable use of marine resources.
The conference aims to produce implementable projects, programs, and strategies, rather than just discussions and resolutions. Tanzania and other Indian Ocean countries face similar challenges, making it essential to combine efforts to develop plans that protect the environment and increase economic benefits from the ocean. The conference provides a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, expertise, and resources to promote sustainable marine resource management.
The blue economy offers various opportunities for investment, including fishing, fish farming, seafood processing, marine tourism, water transportation, ports, and oil and gas. If harnessed sustainably, these opportunities can create jobs, increase income, and generate government revenue. The conference will explore ways to harness these opportunities while ensuring environmental conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
Key points
- The conference aims to promote sustainable use of marine resources and explore investment opportunities in the blue economy.
- The blue economy offers various opportunities for investment, including fishing, fish farming, and marine tourism.
- The conference has brought together over 700 participants from within and outside Tanzania to share experiences and expertise on sustainable marine resource management.
