Stakeholders Identify Blue Economy As Driver Of Food Security, Employment
Stakeholdershave said that a sustainableblue economywould lead to food security, poverty eradication and employment in Nigeria. They described the blue economy as encompassing the exploitation, preservation,. . .
Stakeholdershave said that a sustainableblue economywould lead to food security, poverty eradication and employment in Nigeria. They described the blue economy as encompassing the exploitation, preservation, and regeneration of the marine environment and a wide range of economic sectors. Speaking on “Re-appraising Nigeria’s Blue Economy: Charting a Path to Sustainable Growth, the President of National Council of Managing Directors of Customs Agents (NCMDCA), Mr Lucky Amiwero said at the 21ST Anniversary Transquest Lecture/Awards Ceremony held in Lagos that fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, coastal, marine and maritime tourism, coastal renewable energy, marine ecosystem service, blue caborn, seabed mining and bioprospecting and biotechnology were parts of the components of blue economy. He noted that the immense potential of ocean and fresh water resources necessitated the protection and conservation of rivers and lakes, and extensive other resources to ensure they remain healthy and productive. According to him, this has become one of the most important tenets of theblue economy, describing the blue economy as a major driver of urban and regional development, creating millions of local jobs in sectors such as fisheries, tourism and shippingHe said: “The concept seeks to promote economic growth, social inclusion, and the preservation or improvement of livelihoods, while at the same time ensuring environmental sustainability of the ocean areas. At its core, it refers to the decoupling of socio-economic development through oceans-related sectors and activities from environmental and ecosystem degradation”A sustainable blue economy is a marine-based economy that provides social and economic benefit for current and future generations by contributing to food security, poverty eradication, livelihoods, income, employment, health, safety, equity, andpolitical stability. ”However, the president argued that the blue economy initiatives depend on access to sustainable financing and investment to record huge success, recommending a financing mechanism and Public Private Partnership (PPP) as an emerging solution to mobilise capital for ocean-related projects, while ensuring environmental and social safeguards. Also, the Publisher of TransQuest Magazine, Mr Felix Kumuyi, said that over the past two decades, the TransQuest Annual Lecture has evolved into one of the industry’s respected intellectual platforms where critical national issues are interrogated, ideas are exchanged, and practical solutions are proposed. He added: “We remain proud that our contributions have consistently enriched conversations around transportation, maritime development, trade facilitation and national economic growth. ”Please follow and like us: