COP12 gives fresh impetus to investment opportunities to marine products, tourism, ports, oil and gas

DAR ES SALAAM: INVESTMENT opportunities in fisheries, fish farming, marine products processing, marine tourism, water transport, ports, oil and gas have been given fresh impetus through the 12th Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP12), currently underway in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Engineer Hamad Masauni, said COP12 aims to identify joint projects and programmes that will stimulate investment in the blue economy while ensuring the conservation of the Indian Ocean environment.

He said the opportunities have the potential to create jobs, increase incomes for citizens and boost government revenue if developed in a manner that takes environmental conservation into account. He cited marine tourism as an example, saying it could increase tourist arrivals and generate greater economic benefits.

Masauni said the participation of development partners from various countries has created opportunities to mobilise resources for the implementation of joint projects aimed at conserving and sustainably utilising marine resources. He stressed that Tanzania wants the conference to produce practical projects, programmes and strategies rather than ending with discussions and resolutions.

He said Tanzania and other countries bordering the Indian Ocean face similar challenges, making it important to pool efforts in developing plans that will protect the marine environment while increasing the economic benefits derived from the ocean. He added that more than 700 participants from Tanzania and abroad, including development, environmental and economic sector stakeholders, are attending the conference.

For the first time in the history of COP12, Tanzania has organised special sessions for women and youth to enhance their participation in blue economy activities, innovation and technology. Masauni said the women’s forum provides an opportunity to build partnerships, exchange experiences and establish business relationships, while stressing the importance of the private sector in promoting the blue economy.

Meanwhile, Zanzibar Minister of State in the Second Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Khamis Juma Khamis, said solidarity among member states is crucial in addressing marine pollution and coral reef destruction, which threaten fish breeding grounds and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

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UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Dr Elizabeth Mrema stressed the importance of educating the public on marine conservation, saying plastic waste is among the threats affecting marine life and communities that depend on marine resources.