The Consultative Meeting on Somalia Blue Economy Framework and Sectoral Investment Plans and Experience Sharing Visit is being held in Mombasa, Kenya from 24-27 April 2023. In order to make the best use of the BE resources, Somalia has developed its BE strategy to set the stage for implementation. This if well implemented will put Somalia among the top coastal African countries with a high BE-based economic development. The strategy identified challenges and outlined potential intervention objectives and goals, of which a detailed program of actions should be developed for implementation after the adoption of the Strategy. In order to facilitate the realization of blue economy potential, the strategy also outlines the blue economy governance framework, which provides how the blue economy needs to be governed for optimal economic benefits. Moreover, the strategy will be the roadmap to develop the Blue Economy of the country and will be a tool to mobilize resources to develop the sectors. Based on the recommendation of Ministers of IGAD, Member States National Blue Economy strategy development is supported by IGAD through Sweden’s financial support. OBJECTIVE OF THE WORKSHOP The workshop will engage stakeholders and provide a basis for implementation and investment plans in Somalia BE. It is envisaged that Somalia would serve as an exemplar in building their capacities and channel investment in the country’s blue economy sectors. The specific objectives of the workshop are: Carry a diagnostic review of the Somalia Blue Economy sector as captured in the Blue Economy Strategy Identify innovative instruments, actions, and programs to promote marine fisheries, inland and coastal aquaculture, and offshore mariculture with various fish value chains. Review the ecosystems approach towards multi-species approach and product diversification, integrated coastal zone management, marine spatial planning, and industrial cluster, in addition to environmental and social safeguards. Identify investment and business opportunities for collaboration on the BE Flagship and the Feed Africa Strategy of the African Development Bank Map out ideas on how to attract private sector investments and PPPs into the development of the ocean economy through enabling frameworks and legislations. Develop fisheries and aquaculture specific BE investment plans within a cross-sectoral and multi-scale governance approach. Propose an implementation framework for Somalia BE Experience sharing among MS and with DP. EXPECTED RESULT The expected results of the workshop are: i. Reach a consensus on priorities, focus areas and key steps towards the development of the Framework and investment plans for Somalia BE ii. Experience sharing of the Somalia team from Kenya BE
Source: Somali National News Agency