Dar to host global marine conservation summit
TANGA: TANZANIA has been selected to host the 12th Conference of the Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP12), scheduled for October 6-9 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.
The event is expected to strengthen the country’s position as a leader in marine and coastal conservation while creating opportunities for investment, tourism and the growth of the Blue Economy, a key priority under the National Development Vision 2050.
Announcing the development yesterday in Tanga, Deputy Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Mr Reuben Kwagilwa, said the selection reflects the international community’s confidence in Tanzania’s leadership in the sustainable management of marine resources.
He noted that Tanzania earned the hosting rights after being appointed Chair of the Nairobi Convention Executive Committee during the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) held in Madagascar in 2024.
Mr Kwagilwa said the conference will bring together government leaders, environmental experts, scientists, investors, international organisations and other stakeholders to discuss sustainable ocean management and the Blue Economy.
He said Blue Economy promotes sustainable use of oceans, lakes, rivers and coastal resources to generate economic growth while protecting environment. Key sectors include fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, maritime transport, marine energy, marine minerals and carbon trading.
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According to the deputy minister, the country expects the conference to attract new investment, advanced technologies and strategic partnerships that will add value to marine resources and stimulate economic growth.
He added that the event will also boost conference tourism by attracting hundreds of international delegates, benefiting the hospitality, transport and other service industries.
Beyond the economic gains, Mr Kwagilwa said the conference will enhance Tanzania’s capacity to address marine pollution, plastic waste and climate change while strengthening regional cooperation on the conservation of shared marine resources in the Western Indian Ocean.
Held under the theme “Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy in the Western Indian Ocean for People and Nature: A 40-Year Journey,” COP12 marks four decades of the Nairobi Convention’s efforts to protect the marine environment while promoting sustainable economic development.
