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Biteko calls for marine resources protection

DEPUTY Prime Minister has urged citizens to protect marine ecosystems and safeguard its resources
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Dr Doto Biteko (centre) observes the National Anthem before opening the third Blue Economy Conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

DAR ES SALAAM: DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Dr Doto Biteko has urged citizens to protect marine ecosystems and safeguard its resources for the benefit of the current and future generations.

The deputy Prime Minister made the call when officiating at the Third Blue Economy Conference (BEC2024) in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

A two-day conference’s theme is ‘Navigating the Future: Integrating Maritime Safety and Security, Climate Change Actions and Technological Advancements for Blue Economy.

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It was organised by Dar es Salaam Marine Institute (DMI) in collaboration with the Regional Maritime University (RMU) based in Accra.

The conference’s major goal is to bring together international stakeholders to share ideas on promoting the blue economy to spearhead development across the continent.

The conference involved participants from 11 countries including Republic of Korea, Sweden, Nigeria, Kenya, Comoro, Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Denmark, Italy and China.

“The blue economy is facing several challenges including marine pollution, climate change, among others, so let’s use this forum to address these challenges,” Deputy PM asserted.

“Tanzania is facing the same challenges as other countries in the world; thus, I would ask the citizens to protect the marine ecosystem for the benefit of present and future generations,” he added.

He further highlighted the significance of the sector, saying it has become a major catalyst for the innovation of various opportunities, especially in the areas of technology and renewable energy, as well as herbs.

“Despite all of these benefits, the blue economy sector still faces a number of challenges that require attention,” he said.

“When we have a discussion today (yesterday), let’s focus on the principles of sustainability, equality and innovation so that this conference can be the light that leads us to the blue economy that lifts up our communities, I urge each of you to participate fully so that we can get positive results from this forum,” Dr Biteko urged.

He said by realising the significance of marine ecosystem and considering the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that was adopted in 1982, Tanzania approved the Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone Act, 1989 to safeguard the marine ecosystem.

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In 1991, Tanzania established the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI) to cater to the greater needs of the Shipping Industry in the country including collaborating with other colleges to conduct researches, providing consultancy among others.

In line, Dr Biteko urged ministries and government institutions to utilise the consultancy provided by the DMI particularly on marine issues.

On his part, Minister for Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa, said the blue economy is crosscutting involving various sectors, noting that the conference would be a catalyst in providing opportunities and training for Tanzanians in the marine sector.

“The blue economy should be strengthened so that people can benefit from it, Today’s (yesterday) conference aims to share ideas with different stakeholders inside and outside the country,” he narrated