By: Isatou Sarr
Mohammed B.S. Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia yesterday, 19th February opened the 4th International Blue Economy Conference at the Sir Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre on behalf of His Excellency President Adama Barrow.
In his compelling keynote address, VP Jallow underscored the critical theme of the conference, “Harnessing the Blue Economy as a Catalyst for Innovative and Sustainable Development.”
He stated unequivocally that the new world order and the shifting lifestyles they bring are placing immense pressure on our water bodies, precipitating their slow destruction. This situation presents us with unprecedented challenges and opportunities, making it imperative that we chart a sustainable and prosperous future for our oceans and waterways for the sake of generations.
“We are at a decisive moment that demands we fully leverage the economic potential the marine and Blue Economy provides. The Blue Economy is fundamentally important, emphasizing the sustainable use of ocean resources to drive economic growth, enhance livelihoods, and create jobs while ensuring the health of marine ecosystems. We must adopt approaches that harness the ocean’s ability to generate prosperity while maintaining the vitality and robustness of our marine environments for generations to come,” he declared.
VP Jallow boldly asserted that our oceans are not merely vast expanses of water; they are the lifeblood of our planet. Covering over seventy percent (70%) of the Earth’s surface, they are critical providers of food, livelihoods, and boundless opportunities.
However, he pointed out, with urgency, that these invaluable resources are facing unparalleled challenges due to pollution, climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction.
Hon. Ebrima Sillah, the Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure (MOTWI), echoed this sentiment in his welcome address. He emphasized that the Blue Economy is not just vital for our economies but essential for the livelihoods on this planet.
He, therefore, called on all stakeholders to unite in this crucial effort, stressing that protecting marine life is a collective responsibility that we must all embrace.
