By Fatima Saka
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says that Blue Economy must provide a veritable ground for the development and promotion of marine and coastal tourism segments of the economy.
The minister said this during Nigeria Blue Economy Stakeholders Conference with the Theme: Creating the Pathway for Sustainable Nigerian Economy, held in Lagos on Wednesday.
The minister, who was represented by Mrs Patricia Narai, Director, Domestic and Eco-Tourism Department, Federal Ministry of Information & Culture, stated that over exploitation of the oceans jeopardises their ability to provide food, economic benefits and environmental services to society.
According to Lia Mohammed he said that the marine tourism would be providing employment opportunities, improving local community capacity as well as developing local supply chains and promoting local cultural heritage.
He further explained that the marine tourism would support the conservation of coastal biodiversity, reduce negative impact of climate change and improve marine tourism value chain in Nigeria.
“This can be achieved through communal efforts and partnerships with relevant stakeholders and non–governmental organisations.
“Tourism related businesses and activities in Nigeria’s Blue Economy and marine tourism related businesses include: beach-based recreation activities, yachting, maritime archaeology, surfing, cruises, diving and snorkeling.
“According to World Bank, Blue Economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.
“The European Commission, on the other hand, defines it as ‘all economic activities related to ocean, seas and coasts.”
“Blue growth must support sustainable use of these resources, which are the engine for innovation and advancement of global economy with enormous potentials.
“It is, therefore, an evolving maritime concept aimed at sustainable management of ocean resources for economic benefits, community well-being and national development,” Muhammed said.
Blue Economy is a recent field of study that encompasses economic activities that depend on the sea, often associated with other economic activities, including Tourism, Maritime Transport, Energy and Fishing.
He explained that in the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria has an extensive maritime space endowed with massive economic potentials for the development of the country when properly harnessed.
Also he added that the maritime space was mostly located in the South-South, South-West and part of South-East regions of the country, adding that the country was endowed with about 852km coastline and about 170,400sqkm maritime space.
He said that the SDG No. 14 goal was life below the oceans; which focuses on the sustainable management and protection of ocean and aquatic life.
Mohammed said that marine and coastal tourism was one of the economic activities within the blue economy, adding that it promotes conservation and sustainable use of marine resources to generate income for local communities as well as respect for cultures, traditions and heritage.
He, however, said that coastal tourism was one of the fastest growing segments in the tourism industry which represents 5 per cent of World GDP and contributes 6 – 7 per cent global employment.
Quality journalism costs money. Today, we’re asking that you support us to do more. Support our work by sending in your donations.
The donation can be made directly into NatureNews Account below
