Experts recommend blue economy strategy

Luanda - The economic experts recommended Wednesday the creation of a national strategy, in partnership with the UN and the African Union, for the implementation of the cluster of the sea and the blue economy.

The recommendation came from the second conference on the blue economy that took place under the motto “The National Strategy for the Sea”.

According to the Minister of Economy and Planning, Mário Caetano João, the general concept of the blue economy relates to economic activities that take place in the oceans, seas and coastal areas.

Mário Caetano João explained that more than 20 marine economic activities in Angola can be recognised as an integral part of the blue economy (fishing, trade, transport, energy, tourism, coastal protection, maritime surveillance and monitoring).

According to the minister, the blue economy aims to exploit the potential of marine resources, reduce ecological risk as much as possible and increase human prosperity.

Two thirds of the planet earth, he said, are submerged, with the coastline being one of the factors that contribute to the socio-economic development of coastal nations. Currently, the 20 largest economies in the world and the 10 in Africa have access to the sea.

The minister noted that the blue economy has gained momentum among policymakers around the world, as it is a source of wealth.

It is estimated that 2.5 billion dollars are raised each year. For this reason the sea has become the seventh largest economy.

To Mário João, maritime safety is not only unavoidable but, above all, a priority and urgent for the definition of the National Strategy for the Sea and for the development of the Maritime Port Cluster.

"These instruments are essential to guarantee the protection of ecosystems and create or improve market conditions, for the promotion and diversification of the Blue economy, far beyond mere fishing", he stressed.

Angola is in the process of producing a set of regulations in terms of combating pollution such as the National Strategy for the Sea and Marine Space Planning.