African Day of Seas and Oceans ‘Protecing the Ocean is everyone’s business’ |03 August 2019
“Investing in marine protection and sustainable use is an excellent way to reap the benefits of the African Decade of Seas and Oceans.”
The statement comes in a message from Veronica Bristol, the chairperson of Womesa-Seychelles/Women in Marine Science, on the occasion of the African Day of Seas and Oceans being celebrated today, August 3.
The full text of Ms Bristol’s message reads:
“Today August 3, we commemorate the African Day of Seas and Oceans which is one of the recommendations of the 2050 African’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS).The 2050 AIMS provides a broad framework for the protection and sustainable exploitation of Seas and Oceans of Africa.
“The African Union Heads of State Summit declared 2015 – 2025 as the African decade of Seas and Oceans to harness the Blue Economy. However, protecting the Ocean is everyone’s business – and so the responsibilities of every African countries.
“Over 80% of today’s international goods are transported in vessels and over 90% of Africa’s imports and exports, including Seychelles are conducted by seas. Over the past four decades, the volume of global sea borne trade has more than quadrupled. Ninety percent (90%) of world trade and two-thirds (2/3) of energy supplies are carried by sea.
“The world’s Oceans and Seas are interlinked, and action in one sea or one policy area with a direct or indirect impact on the sea may have direct impact on the seas and policy areas.
“Fish makes a vital contribution to the food and nutritional security of over 200 million Africans and provides income for over 10 million men and women predominantly engaged in often vibrant artisanal fisheries.
“Healthy and productive coastal and marine ecosystems plays a significant role in mitigating the impacts of climate change as they can serve as carbon sinks, with mangroves and sea-grass areas topping most others.
“Protecting these ecosystems and recovering lost productivity also makes good economic sense for fishing communities and entire countries as research presented at the recent Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) symposium demonstrated again. Phasing out harmful subsidies to international industrial fleets in the WTO could help African states ensure a level playing field and largely reduce widespread overfishing of their waters.
Supporting better waste management and coastal planning would go a long way to reduce dumping of plastic in our waters as this has serious consequences on marine life and affects the seafood we eat.
“Investing in marine protection and sustainable use is an excellent way to reap the benefits of the African Decade of Seas and Oceans. Together we can!
Think of Maritime! Think of Women!