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Uhuru credits conference for momentum gained on blue economy

blue

President Uhuru Kenyatta addressing delegates at the Blue Economy Governors and Mayors convention at KICC. Photo | PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta lauded the just concluded Nairobi conference as one that generated the right momentum for harnessing the enormous economic potential of the blue economy.

Speaking when he closed the three-day global Sustainable Blue Economy Conference at Kenyatta International Convention Centre yesterday, Mr Kenyatta said the forum provided an avenue for the world to make innovative and practical contributions to harness the full potential of oceans, seas, lakes and rivers and expand opportunities for all.

“The truly global representation at this Conference and its far reaching and collective beneficial outcomes, have reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of multilateralism,” Mr Kenyatta said at the closing ceremony that was also attended by Deputy President William Ruto.

“There is no problem that is too difficult to solve when we come together as a global community.”

Red flag

Mr Kenyatta, however, raised the red flag over unsustainable exploitation of the blue economy and called on delegates to put long-term common interests above short-term selfish motivations.

“Managing oceans, lakes and seas is complex and it requires us all to put long-term common interests above short-term self-interest. Failing that, our waters could easily become the tragedy of the commons of the 21stcentury,” he said.

Noting that the conference came up with the Nairobi Statement of Intent on Advancing Global Sustainable Blue Economy, the president urged the delegates to implement the identified strategies to expand economies, create shared prosperity and increase revenues and job opportunities through ocean-based industries.

The Nairobi Statement of Intent on Advancing Global Sustainable Blue Economy partly states that “the development of a sustainable blue economy is possible with the full and effective involvement and participation of all relevant actors working together and is the primary purpose of SDG 14”.

The president noted that future efforts such as the UN Ocean conference of 2020 that Kenya and Portugal will host, will build on the Nairobi Statement to advance the journey towards a Sustainable Blue Economy.

“Let us all work together to realize this worthy objective. It is the right thing to do,” Mr Kenyatta said.

Responsibility

He underscored the importance of harnessing the blue economy resources in a responsible manner.

“Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing represents a major threat to marine ecosystems, it can hinder the recovery of overfished stocks and can push fishery to the point of collapse, thereby reducing biodiversity in important ecosystems.”

The Head of State also commended the conference for agreeing to strengthen political leadership and international cooperation as well as committing to collaborate on data analysis, information and intelligence sharing to curb threats to marine resources.

“The availability of reliable, up-to-date, accessible data and information is essential as a basis for integrated and sustainable management of the ocean and coastal resources,” he said.

Other speakers at the closing ceremony, attended by Seychelles President Danny Faure and Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa Amadhila of Namibia, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma and Canada’s Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Jonathan Wilkinson.