The African Union Commission has recognised President Uhuru Kenyatta with a Special Award for his outstanding role in hosting the world’s first Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi.
#BlueEconomyKe which was a 3 day conference, brought together over 18,000 delegates & participants from more than 170 countries.
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.
This conference is a new move for developing the economy as Kenya moves to tap into the productive capacity of her vast water resources.
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 today said that collaboration between countries, cities and communities is the key to ensuring a sustainable future for the world. The President said the world has a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a model that is environmentally friendly and which allows maximum exploitation of resources both on land and in oceans.
The Head of State spoke at the global forum for Governors and Mayors, which was held on the sidelines of the ongoing Sustainable Blue Economy Conference being held at the Kenyatta International Convention Center. President Kenyatta said the biggest question facing humanity is how to feed 9 billion people the world is projected to have in 2050.
Kenyatta said the easiest way of facing the challenge is to increase the resilience of communities as well as engaging in protection of the environment.
The President noted the other avenue to deal with expected population challenge is to foster collaboration between different levels of governments and city to city partnerships. He said three quarters of the world’s population lives in coastal cities and there was need to focus on their sustainability.
He urged investors to engage with counties on projects under the blue economy sector and explore ways to collaborate.
He mentioned that, Mombasa and Kisumu in particular, offer investment opportunities in renewable energy, tourism, fish processing and storage, maritime transport, and shipping among others. He called on investors to take advantage of more opportunities available in water supply, sanitation and waste management.
The President also urged the private sector to scale up investments in shipping & maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture and renewable energy. He stated that there are new and emerging business opportunities provided by oceans, lakes, seas and rivers
Mr Kenyatta emphasized 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.” He said
The AU Commission has recognised President
@UKenyatta with a Special Award for his outstanding role in hosting the world’s first Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi. #BlueEconomyKe brought together over 18,000 delegates & participants from more than 170 countries. pic.twitter.com/My2TKV3HjH— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) November 27, 2018