Introduction: The inaugural Blue Africa Summit, convened in Tangier from November 16 to 17, marked a historic occasion, with participants expressing admiration for the “strong ocean commitment” of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco. The Tangier Declaration, released at the conclusion of the summit, outlines a collective call to action for sustainable ocean development on the African continent.
Key Points of the Tangier Declaration:
- Coalition of United Countries: Participants urged African Atlantic coastal states to align with Morocco’s initiative and form a coalition of united nations committed to oceanic sustainability.
- Sustainable Development Strategies: The declaration encourages national and local authorities across Africa to formulate plans and strategies for the sustainable development of coastlines and exclusive economic zones. These plans should support the creation of maritime space plans at both national and international levels, fostering a sustainable blue economy.
- Biodiversity Protection: Acknowledging the precious biodiversity of oceanic spaces, the Tangier Declaration advocates for the protection of these areas, with a target to preserve up to 30% of biodiversity by 2030.
- Entrepreneurial Responsibility: Maritime entrepreneurs are urged to develop sustainable economic models that prioritize the well-being of coastal populations.
- Initiatives and Collaborations: States are called upon to endorse initiatives like the Great Blue Wall and maritime corridors that combine scientific expertise, citizen engagement, and development to protect the ocean as a shared resource.
- African Panel for Blue Economy: African nations and international partners are invited to join the African Panel of Heads of State for the development of a regenerative blue economy, recognizing the leadership of the Union of the Comoros as the current President of the African Union.
- Permanent Mechanism for Dialogue: Emphasizing the importance of Africa-Europe strategic partnership, the participants underscore the need for a permanent mechanism serving as a platform for dialogue and an incubator of concrete initiatives.
- Investments in Blue Economy: With Africa’s projected population growth, participants highlight the significance of investments in the blue economy that benefit local economies and populations, particularly in coastal regions.
- Ambitious Ocean Vision: The summit recognizes the role of an ambitious ocean vision in the opening up of Sahel and interior African countries, emphasizing the development of coastal and port infrastructure, fishing fleets, and commercial fleets to harness marine resources.
Conclusion: The Blue Africa Summit stands as a pivotal moment in advancing sustainable ocean initiatives, with the Tangier Declaration setting the stage for collaborative efforts among African nations and international partners to ensure the responsible and equitable development of the blue economy.
