The world's oceans are crucial to humankind.
Some 80% of global trade is maritime. Oceans also provide food, medicine, renewable energy and natural resources to billions of people.
And yet, the "blue economy" receives less attention, focus and investment than many other sectors.
If well managed, the resources found in the world's seas have the potential of reducing carbon emissions and protecting coastal communities from the adverse effects of climate change.
This issue took centre stage at a panel discussion on the sustainability of Africa's blue economy, which was held at the African pavilion during day 9 of COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Several speakers raised the issue and alerted the audience to the fact that many of the challenges faced by the oceans are a result of pollution, overfishing, and the burning of fossil fuels.
Plastic remains one of the biggest threats. Up to 14 million tonnes of plastic are floating around our seas, endangering marine life, and affecting the livelihood of communities that rely on the ocean for food and income. Scientists predict that unless action is taken soon, there will be more plastic in the seas than fish by 2030.
In parallel, the increased absorption of carbon dioxide in the ocean reduced oxygen levels, which has in turn reduced the ability of animals and plants below the surface to survive.
African Development Bank (AfDB) climate expert Dr Balgis Osman stressed an awareness of the impact of pollution and strengthened policies were needed to ensure a successful outcome of SDG 14, which focuses on the conservation and sustainability of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
She explained that an intentional focus on the blue economy could contribute to Africa's economic development and to sustainability for all who benefit from the oceans and seas.
As part of the AfDB's Feed Africa Strategy 2016-2025, the Bank established projects to help develop blue economies in the Seychelles, Namibia, Mozambique, Morocco, Gabon, Togo, Senegal, Guinea Bissau and Mauritius.
Dr Balgis explained that through these projects, the Bank expects to see higher per capita annual consumption of fish from 10 to 20 kilograms, as many as 5-10 million extra jobs in trade and marketing, and the creation of small and medium enterprises for aquaculture and pre- and post- harvest services.
UN figures estimate that 10 million tonnes of fish go to waste every year.
In addition, if governments implemented policies to regulate and protect their blue economies, an annual $1.3 billion could be saved by reducing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
"We expect to attain food and nutrition security for over 200 million Africans and provide income for over 15 million over the next 10 years, and increase value added from $24 billion to $72 billion by 2025. We also expect to triple intra-regional fish trade through the Malabo Declaration with half of the processing plants using clean energy and eco-certified seafood products," she added.
Other panellists echoed Dr Balgis. Herland Carteaux from OceanHub Africa advocated for entrepreneurs in the ocean economy to be capacitated, trained, and given access to a network that will allow them to grow. He further stated that start-ups could benefit from having a scientist in their group.
World Oceans Council's Sophie Masipa said that threats to a thriving blue economy include the conflict between development and ocean health, and cited mineral extraction and exploration that can further harm the ocean. Policies are needed to try and balance this conflict.
Marcia Zali: [email protected]
