Eugene Owusu addressing the press in Accra
The maiden National Blue Economy Summit aimed at engaging industry stakeholders in tackling the challenges and existential threats faced by the ocean and humanity has been launched.
Spearheaded by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advisory Unit, the summit themed, “Our Ocean’s Health, Our Prosperity, Our Planet’s Security” will take place at the Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel Accra from May 31st to 1st June.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference, Special Advisor to the President on the SDGs, Sherpa and Ocean Action, Eugene Owusu said the world is sitting on an ocean time bomb due to overexploitation and degradation, climate change, and other pressures taking a heavy toll on oceans and coastal ecosystems.
He added that, “The evidence is clear, ocean health and productivity are declining at an alarming rate and this poses an existential threat to the ocean and humanity as a whole.”
He, however, indicated that the blue economy contributes more than $1.5 trillion a year to the global economy thus it should be a catalyst for sustainable development.
“This is by providing new opportunities for economic growth and job creation while ensuring the long-term health and resilience of our ocean and coastal ecosystems,” he said.
“The National Blue Economy Summit is a significant step towards realizing this vision. It raises awareness of the need to urgently address the critical challenges facing our ocean. It also highlights the immense opportunities our ocean offers for our country’s transformation” he posited.
The UNDP country representative Dr. Angela Lucigi, said the UNDP is proud to support the Government and partners in hosting this groundbreaking National Blue Economy Summit.
“This provides an opportunity to have thought-provoking discussions that will lead to meaningful, practical, and bold actions to save our oceans,” she added.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke