How much can the ocean finance kenya?
The blue economy is the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.”
A related term is blue growth, which means “support to the growth of the maritime sector in a sustainable way.”
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.
The Sustainable Blue Economy Conference, hosted by Kenya together with Canada and Japan, is currently underway in Nairobi.
Kenya is leveraging on the high-level global event to harness and revamp its blue economy.
The Sustainable Blue Economy Conference is the first global conference on the sustainable blue economy. Over 4,000 participants from around the world are coming together to learn how to build a blue economy that:
1.Harnesses the potential of our oceans, seas, lakes and rivers to improve the lives of all, particularly people in developing states, women, youth and Indigenous peoples
2.Leverages the latest innovations, scientific advances and best practices to build prosperity while conserving our waters for future generations
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.”
“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.