Opening of the 2nd edition of the Blue Economy Exchange Fair

Date de l'événement : 2024-11-27

Press release The Ayla Grand Hotel will host the second edition of the Blue Economy Knowledge Exchange Fair from November 27 to 29, 2024. This regional event brings together experts from IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) member states, representatives from the private sector, development partners and government agencies. The objective: to promote collaboration and exchange on ways to ensure sustainable development of the blue economy in the region. This edition, placed under the theme "Investing in the blue economy for regional integration", saw the participation of leading figures, including the Djiboutian Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Mr. Mohamed Abdoulka der Moussa Helem, Mr. Hassan Houmed, Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment, the Mayor of Djibouti City, Mr. Said Daoud, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu and ambassadors of member countries as well as representatives of Regional and International Institutions, In his speech, the Mayor of Djibouti City, Mr. Said Daoud, stressed the importance of mobilizing local actors in the dynamics of the blue economy. He proposed the development of a blue economy policy charter for mayors of IGAD member cities. “I am confident that the discussions over the three days will bear concrete fruits and provide a clear path towards a future where our marine resources are sustainably used for the benefit of all,” he said. Mr. Said also shared his efforts from the Djibouti City Hall with these words: “As a city, we have benefited directly from the efforts of IGAD, particularly through initiatives aimed at strengthening our local capacities and promoting the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources. I would also like to highlight the valuable support of IGAD in cleaning the Siesta and Heron beaches, particularly as part of our flagship Zero Waste project. These concrete actions demonstrate the importance of preserving our coastal areas for future generations, while strengthening the resilience of our ecosystems.” IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu recalled that the organization’s member countries, such as Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda, have adopted a regional strategy to structure the development of the blue economy. “The blue economy, which encompasses key sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism and renewable energy, offers a unique opportunity to generate income while preserving the environment and improving the living conditions of local populations,” he stressed. The Minister of the Environment, Mr. Mohamed Abdoulka der Moussa Helem, for his part affirmed that this event constitutes a major step in promoting sustainable and inclusive development in the region. “Sustainable exploitation of marine resources, while preserving the ecosystem, is essential to support socio-economic growth and reduce poverty in the Horn of Africa,” he said, while recalling that Djibouti has equipped itself, in 2023, of an ambitious national strategy to make the blue economy a major lever for its development. The opening of the fair was marked by a visit to the stands where local companies and IGAD countries exhibited their initiatives and products related to the blue economy, concretely illustrating the opportunities offered by this booming sector. The Blue Economy Exchange Fair will end on November 29, after several workshops, conferences and meetings between stakeholders in the region.