Luanda — The First Lady Ana Dias Lourenço on Tuesday urged companies and universities to engage in the process of scientific research, with the support of new technologies, in order to find innovative models of preservation of ecosystems.

Ana Paula Dias Lourenço, who was speaking at the commemoration of the African Day of Seas and Oceans, argued that research would contribute to the change of consumption habits.

She recalled that, in Angola, a set of regulations on combating pollution is being produced, such as the National Strategy for the Sea and the Planning of Marine Space.

However, she recognised the need to strengthen public policies, in order to reduce the use of plastic bags and other marine debris.

The First Lady stated that plastic marine pollution has become a global concern, due to its contribution to climate change and marine environmental degradation.

She considered it urgent to combat marine pollution, particularly against plastic debris, by expanding awareness and sensitisation programmes for the population in coastal areas.

Marine pollution, also known as marine litter, is made up of various used products that are deliberately or accidentally dumped into the seas.

Among marine litter are various materials, including metal, processed wood, rubber, glass, textiles, paper, and plastics, among others.

World Bank data reveal that 80% of marine debris consists of plastic, while the African Union reports the arrival in the seas and oceans of about eight million tons of plastics annually, which interfere not only in marine ecosystems, but also in human health

Ana Dias Lourenço said it is time to create the necessary conditions for the women of the sea to develop their full potential.

She also defended empowering women with new knowledge, entrusting them with new tools, and opening the doors to new opportunities for development and recognition of their role in the future of the economy, society, and the country.

She defended the principle of solidarity and the recognition of women's role as pillars of the family, valuing their work, for example, through the purchase of their products.

The commemoration on African seas and oceans was established in January 2014 during the 22nd Ordinary Assembly of the African Union.