The Halieutis strategy for the development of the fishing and aquaculture sector, supported by innovative projects such as the Blue Belt initiative, are an eloquent example aimed at making the maritime sectors levers of economic development, while ensuring the preservation of biodiversity and the fight against climate change, said the minister who spoke at the opening of a workshop under the theme “Communication in the service of a sustainable and inclusive blue economy”, organized by the Ministerial Conference for Fisheries Cooperation of African Member States of the Atlantic Ocean (COMHAFAT).
Mr. Sadiki, in a video recording, recalled that the concept of the blue economy has established itself at the global level as a development model capable of reconciling economic growth, environmental preservation and social progress.
The new Atlantic vision initiated by HM the King marks a “strategic turning point” for the African continent, he noted during this workshop organized in partnership with the Media Observatory for Sustainable Fisheries in Africa (OMPDA).
“Ambitious, this vision aims to strengthen cooperation between African countries bordering the Atlantic by emphasizing sustainable development, food security and economic and environmental cooperation,” explained Mr. Sadiki, adding that he is a global vision that embraces the protection of marine ecosystems, the promotion of the blue economy with the fisheries sector as an engine of growth and the achievement of sustainable development goals through an integrated and collaborative approach.
Morocco has implemented concrete actions reflecting its commitment to sustainable management of maritime resources, continued the minister, noting that “scientific prospecting campaigns in the exclusive economic zones of African countries such as Liberia and Benin, testify to our desire to share our know-how and promote South-South cooperation”.
Referring to the theme of this workshop, Mr. Sadiki said that awareness-raising and communication play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and adopting inclusive approaches.
According to him, “the partnership between COMHAFAT and OMPDA symbolizes our conviction that the sharing of information, the highlighting of successes and the engagement of the media are essential to forge a collective consciousness around maritime issues”.
Morocco intends to continue its efforts and strengthen them to inspire and encourage African countries to embrace a common vision for the blue economy, said the minister, explaining that this involves increased cooperation, the adoption of sustainable management practices and the use of innovation as a driving force for this strategy.
“Our ambition is to see Africa position itself as a leader in the global blue economy capable of responding to contemporary environmental and economic challenges,” he said.
The main objective of this two-day workshop is to raise awareness of the importance of media support around the blue economy through effective communication in order to further stimulate the blue transformation, help coordinate regional efforts for a sustainable and inclusive blue economy. in Africa, disseminate knowledge and promote innovative actions at the level of the 22 African member states of COMHAFAT.
It is also an opportunity for all participants, representing 17 COMHAFAT member countries, regional fishing organizations, specialized African media, as well as national experts and consultants representing institutional and governmental bodies, public institutions and research centers, to exchange knowledge and share experiences with particular emphasis on the role that the Blue Belt initiative can play as a collaborative and unifying platform of efforts, by capitalizing in particular on the existing projects such as the collaborative platform of this Initiative and the Moroccan Fisheries Observatory.