Momentum Builds for the 4th Biennial Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment

A preparatory hybrid meeting was held today for the highly anticipated 4th Biennial Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment (Blue Economy Conference), which will be held in Tanzania later this year. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including leaders from the African Union (AU), the University of Cape Coast, and several AU member states, to discuss the event's organisation, strategic approaches, and partnership.

Ms. Hellen Guebama made the opening address on behalf of AU-IBAR's Director Huyam Salih, who expressed great delight for the African Union's engagement with the University of Cape Coast, a recognised African Union Centre of Excellence. She emphasised the significance of the occasion and Tanzania's position as the host country for this vital gathering. The 4th Blue Economy Conference intends to enhance the African Union's Blue Economy Strategy by focussing on sustainable development and socioeconomic transformation in Africa's enormous coastal and inland water bodies. Concluding the address, she reiterated AU-IBAR's commitment to supporting the co-hosts of the conference and ensuring its success. The collaboration between all stakeholders will be pivotal in generating momentum towards effective policies and urgent actions for Africa’s Blue Economy.

The primary objective of today's Tripartite Preparatory Meeting was to discuss collaboration modalities and develop a strategic approach for activities leading up to the 2025 Blue Economy Conference. The meeting recognized that the Blue Economy is multisectoral, influencing key sectors such as agriculture, industry, energy generation, and transport. As such, it is a vital driver for sustainable growth and poverty alleviation across the continent. Brief introductions were made by partner institutions and their funtions; notably the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Zanzibar; Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Tanzania; Centre for Coastal Management – ACECor, University of Cape Coast.

The various speakers emphasized the need for strengthened institutional collaboration and governance to optimize the benefits of the Blue Economy. It was noted that partnerships between policymakers, practitioners, and academia are essential for achieving food and energy security, regional stability, and economic growth. It was also highlighted that the upcoming conference must focus on leveraging the interlinkages between the Blue Economy and the broader goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

As the meeting progressed, participants engaged in productive discussions, setting the stage for a successful 4th Biennial Conference. With clear objectives and strong collaboration, the conference promises to be a transformative event for the future of Africa's Blue Economy.
Since the 3rd Biennial Conference in Accra, Ghana, in 2023, several key developments have taken place. Through the support of the Kingdom of Norway Programme, eleven AU member states have been actively engaged in the development of National Blue Economy Strategies. These strategies align with the Africa Blue Economy Strategy (ABES) and are complemented by National Blue Economy Strategy Implementation Plans and Governance Coordination Mechanisms. Furthermore, two Regional Economic Communities, UMA and CENSAD, have also developed their respective regional blue economy strategies, paving the way for more coordinated and effective action.

These efforts have confirmed the immense potential of Africa's Blue Economy, particularly in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, which can drive food security, create jobs, and promote economic growth. Africa’s coastal and inland water bodies provide an unparalleled opportunity for sustainable development, and the speaker expressed confidence that the forthcoming conference in Tanzania would build upon the successful outcomes and recommendations from previous editions.

The 3rd Biennial Conference was held in Accra, Ghana, under the theme: Inclusive Blue Economy in Africa: Towards Sustainable Transformation and Resilience of the Marine Environment.

Read more: https://conferences.ucc.edu.gh/cfce2023/home