The Sustainable Blue Economy Conference, co-hosted by Kenya, Canada and Japan, is currently underway in Nairobi.
Kenya is leveraging on the high-level global event to harness and revamp its blue economy.
NATIONAL DEBATE
The “blue economy” concept refers to the use of seas, oceans and lakes and their resources for sustainable economic development.
Held under the banner “Blue Economy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, the conference presents the country with an opportunity to engender national debate on the blue economy.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and other heads of states and heads of government are present at the global meeting.
Mr Kenyatta said that, in line with enhancing the Blue Economy, efforts will be made to upgrade Kenya’s maritime school and in enhancing security and safety of the collective waters among other actions.
“We have convened here today to commit to innovative and transformative ways of using and sustaining our oceans, seas, lakes and rivers. We know that, unless our environmental riches are protected, there can be no lasting prosperity for any of us.”
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
“But such action must be collective. Two-thirds of global waters lie beyond national jurisdiction. Action in one sea will have a positive or negative effect on other seas. Success in managing our global aquatic resources for sustainable global development, therefore, critically hinges on us working together,” said the president.
Mr Kenyatta asked partners and countries that have developed their blue economies to consider providing financial resources, transfer of technology and innovations as well as capacity building in all key areas that touch on this crucial sector.
Mr Pavan Sukdhev, president of the World Wildlife Fund and Justin Mundy of the World Resources Institute, who were among the first speakers on Monday, said the relatively unexploited area must be handled with the highest environmental effectiveness and social responsibility.
Kenya’s Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko said that his ministry would help the country diversify its economy beyond land-based activities.
His Foreign Affairs counterpart Monica Juma said the conference will advance the conversation on both the productive and sustainable side of the blue economy that will help Kenya become the centre of African and global trade.
Presidents at the meeting are expected to make a commitment on and pledges to the blue economy concept.