The first global conference on building a sustainable economy around the world’s oceans, lakes and rivers will be held from 26 to 28 November 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya. The Conference will focus on how to build a blue economy that: harnesses the potential of our water bodies to improve the lives of all, particularly people in developing states, women, youth and Indigenous peoples; and leverages the latest innovations, scientific advances and best practices to build prosperity while conserving our waters for future generations.
The Conference is founded on the two conceptual pillars of: sustainability, climate change and controlling pollution; and production, accelerated economic growth, jobs and poverty alleviation. Nine thematic areas will be covered in the different sessions, including:
- smart shipping, ports, transportation and global connectivity;
- employment, job creation and poverty eradication;
- cities, tourism, resilient coasts and infrastructure;
- sustainable energy, mineral resources, and innovative industries;
- ending hunger, securing food supplies and promoting good health and sustainable fisheries;
- managing and sustaining marine life, conservation and sustainable economic activities;
- climate action, agricultural waste management and pollution-free oceans;
- maritime security, safety, and regulatory enforcement; and
- people, culture, communities and societies, known as the inclusive blue economy.
Four cross-cutting issues have been identified including: new technologies and innovation for oceans, seas, lakes and rivers; challenges, potential opportunities, priorities and partnerships; financing for blue economy; and women, youth and the blue economy.
The Conference aims to capture concrete commitments and identify practical to help the world transition to the blue economy.
IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage from the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference. In addition, IISD Reporting Services has published a summary report of the Conference in HTML and PDF.
Photos by IISD/ENB | Diego Noguera
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