IGAD is organising its first regional Blue Economy Conference to raise awareness on the prospects of ocean/inland waters-related industries and the Blue Growth principles for promoting and sustaining accelerated economic growth, shared prosperity, climate resilience and peace in the Horn of Africa. More...
The fact that 95 percent of the world's oceans and 99 percent of the ocean floor remains unexplored is symbolic of the limited focus there is on the Blue Economy overall. In fact, as human beings we know more about Mars and the Moon than we do about our own Oceans here on earth. Our Oceans, Lakes and Rivers are the lifeblood of our planet. They cover more than three quarters of the earth’s surface. They shape the weather, regulate temperatures and support a staggering diversity of life. Throughout the history of mankind, our water bodies have been a vital source of food, transport, livelihoods, commerce, growth, and even inspiration.
IGAD Secretariat has now given a high priority to the development of the blue economy in the region. It has already created a Blue Economy Unit at the Secretariat level. The Unit will facilitate the development of the blue economy sector as well as coordination of the different sectors and stakeholders responsible for blue economy development in the region. It will also ensure the well-being and sustainability of blue economy-related ecosystems in the region.
Partners to the event
European Union ( EU)
The event is funded by European Union
FAO
The event is organised by IGAD in collaboration with FAO
Republic of Djibouti
The event is organised by IGAD in collaboration with the Republic of Djibouti.
The lay-out of the two-day conference is as follows:
Setting the Scene