The word ‘Blue Economy’ is currently the talk of town. In fact most of us who left home early to be at our different places of significant engagement, we were affected by the traffic disruption caused in the city because of the dignitaries who were streaming into the country.
But the question is, do you really know what the Blue Economy is all about?
The “blue economy” concept refers to the use of seas, oceans and lakes and their resources for sustainable economic development.
In what is a historic conference, Kenya has partnered with Canada & Japan to co-host the world’s first Sustainable Blue Economy Conference from 26th – 28th November. This conference is a new frontier 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.
Kenya has partnered with Canada & Japan to co – host the world’s first Sustainable Blue Economy Conference from 26th – 28th November. This is a new frontier for developing the economy, as Kenya moves to tap into the productive capacity of her vast water resources. #BlueEconomyKe pic.twitter.com/4HQM0OvOBD
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) November 25, 2018
The conference is anchored on the conceptual pillars of sustainability, climate change, controlling pollution, production, accelerated economic growth, jobs and poverty alleviation.
World leaders have recognized the enormous pressures facing the oceans and waters, from plastic pollution to the adverse impacts of climate change. Governments are now committed to develop marine-related economies in an inclusive and sustainable manner for the benefit of all.
Some of the topics that will be discussed include in the conference that kicked off today at the Kenya International Convention Center (KICC) include Smart Shipping, Management & Sustaining of Marine Life, Conservation & Sustainable Economic Activities, Marine Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Sustainable Mineral Resources, Global Connectivity among others.
The Blue Economy will see Kenya tap into and sustainably harness her vast maritime resources. The country will be exploring new technologies and innovations as well as potential partnerships and investment opportunities that will effectively contribute to the GDP.
President Uhuru Kenyatta said that his government will take steps to build on and expand institutional governance mechanisms that are already in place to enhance coordinated management of the blue economy.
According to Uhuru, this will be done by reviving the country’s maritime transport, building and expanding ports, and shipping facilities and partnering with global shipping lines to extend Kenya’s maritime reach.
A programme has also been adopted to accelerate the development of Kenya’s fisheries by increasing aquaculture, fish processing and storage capacities and related blue economy industries thereby creating employment opportunities for Kenyans.
There you have it! It’s nothing too complicated, just a conference that has brought together world leaders who are committed to innovative and transformative ways of using and sustaining our oceans, seas, lakes and rivers.