TZ, South Africa seek stronger marine cooperation

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has called for stronger cooperation with South Africa in managing coastal and marine environments to protect marine ecosystems and unlock opportunities in fisheries, tourism and the blue economy.

Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Eng Hamad Masauni, made the call during a bilateral meeting with South Africa’s Deputy Minister for Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Narend Singh, on the sidelines of the 12th Meeting of the Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP12) in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

Eng Masauni said healthy marine ecosystems were essential for fisheries, tourism, climate change resilience and the long-term development of the blue economy.

He identified marine pollution, plastic waste, destruction of marine habitats, climate change impacts and increasing competition for coastal areas as key challenges requiring coordinated action.

“South Africa’s experience in integrated coastal management, the establishment and management of marine protected areas, environmental monitoring and conservation of marine resources can be beneficial to Tanzania,” he said.

Eng Masauni said cooperation between the two countries could strengthen the management of development activities while ensuring environmental conservation went hand in hand with citizens’ economic and social needs.

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He said Tanzania also wanted to strengthen cooperation with South Africa in marine science, technology and innovation to promote the use of scientific evidence in planning, environmental management and the development of industries that depend on marine resources.

“Areas that can benefit from such cooperation include marine monitoring systems, research on marine organisms and ecosystems, aquaculture technology and biotechnology derived from marine resources,” he said.

Eng Masauni said cooperation in the ocean economy could serve as a catalyst for investment, job creation, innovation and the sustainable development of coastal communities.

Through the exchange of experience, technology and expertise, he said, the two countries could strengthen the sustainable use of marine resources, add value to fishery products, promote marine tourism and improve services related to ports and maritime transport.

“Through the exchange of experience, technology and expertise, our two countries can strengthen the sustainable use of marine resources, increase the value of fishery products, promote marine tourism and improve services related to ports and maritime transport,” he said.