In the face of mounting climate challenges across Africa, stakeholders in the blue economy are sounding the alarm for increased financial support and youth engagement to combat the pressing issue.
Highlighting the urgent need for African governments to prioritize climate action, stakeholders emphasized the necessity of providing funding for initiatives to mitigate climate change’s impacts.
According to Engineer Ali Shagrune, Libyan National Coordinator for the WestMED Steering Committee Initiative for the Sustainable Development Blue Economy, there is a need to take the front seat in protecting our countries from climate change.
“We need to protect our land from climate change. you know there has been a catastrophe in every country. We need calm and peace in our world so, as Africa, we can prosper and meet our goals.”
One of the key focal points of the discussion was the significant role of African youth in addressing climate change. Notably, their technological skills, particularly in areas like e-commerce, were underscored as valuable assets in contributing to climate solutions.
On her part, Ms. Hellen Moepi – Fisheries Officer, AU-IBAR, sees the next generation, the youth, as pivotal in driving innovation and implementing sustainable practices to combat climate change.
“We are also looking at the involvement of youth, and given the nature of our sector, the majority of youth excel in issues such as technological advancement like e-commerce.”
Moreover, there was a strong emphasis on the critical importance of protecting African land from the detrimental effects of climate change. With the continent witnessing an alarming increase in natural disasters, safeguarding Africa’s ecosystems and biodiversity has become imperative for the region’s resilience against climate-induced disasters.
“In Africa, we need to take the matter seriously and help to finance every opportunity for the youth. I believe we can achieve the most if we get the right support from these African governments,” said Dr. Adel Omar, the International Cooperation & Foreign Policy Adviser at the Ministry of Economy & Trade.
In a strategy workshop held in Mombasa, the stakeholders concluded with a resounding call for global cooperation that will effectively tackle climate challenges and in turn ensure the continent’s stability.
Recognizing that climate change knows no borders, stakeholders emphasized the need for a united front in addressing the root causes and impacts of climate change. Only through collective action and commitment can the world hope to overcome the looming climate crisis and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
