Economy

Kenya launches joint global push to save water masses

blue

Final preparations ahead of the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference at the KICC in Nairobi. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU | NMG

Kenya has launched a global call to decisive action by governments to safeguard water masses for economic gain.

Speaking at the inaugural Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi, President Uhuru Kenyatta said greater emphasis should be placed in reducing flow of industrial wastes and plastics into oceans.

Mr Kenyatta said a Standing Committee on Blue Economy will be formed to oversee conservation and sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

"Kenya banned use of one-off plastics and we have embarked on reducing release of toxic wastes to our lakes and oceans," he said.

Like-minded countries

He said conservation efforts will only bear fruits if Kenya co-operated with like-minded countries.

Mr Kenyatta said the government will upgrade the Kenya Maritime School, which would see the institution produce graduates who meet the global standards in the maritime industry like development of policies, fighting piracy, pollution and combating all issues so that the country may fully exploit it's potential in from the oceans, seas and rivers.

He said said residential houses will be put up for coastal communities as well as fisheries industries to boost employment within coastal areas.

The three-day forum attended by several heads of states and 11,000 delegates heard how active involvement of coastal communities will boost local participation in conservation activities.

Joint policies

The forum will address the use and conservation of oceans, seas, rivers and other water bodies for inclusive development amongst countries.

All the countries represented here will later on sign commitments to the cause that will among others see them provide funding, develop joint policies and other measures to fight issues such as plastic dumping.
The theme of the conference is sustainability, climate change, controlling pollution and use of water bodies to accelerate economic growth create jobs and alleviate poverty.
Some of the areas to be covered include smart shipping, waste management, maritime security, regulatory framework and pollution free oceans.