A consultative and validation workshop to review the recommendations and mechanisms emerging from pre-consultative dialogues of Les Assises de l’Océan 2025, and elaborate a blue economy roadmap, opened today at the Mauritius Maritime Training Academy in Pointe aux Sables.
The opening session was graced by the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell, and the Junior Minister, Mr Fabrice David.
In his address, Minister Boolell highlighted the importance of protecting ocean resources for present and future generations given the country’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone and its role as a Big Ocean State. He called upon stakeholders to come together by considering marine ecosystems from ridge to reef and beyond national jurisdiction to fully harness the potential of resources in a sustainable manner.
In a context of global uncertainty, the Minister emphasised the need for practical and pragmatic action to transform the blue economy into a key driver for the country’s present and future development. He also underscored the importance of consolidating recommendations into a strategic blueprint which will outline Mauritius’ pathway for advancing the blue economy, while ensuring alignment with national priorities and international best practices.
Dr Boolell further mentioned that an Ocean Week will be organised in the coming months to further promote dialogue and awareness on ocean-related issues.
Junior Minister David referred to the draft report prepared following Les Assises de l’Océan 2025, which will serve as a baseline for the elaboration of a roadmap for Mauritius. He underpinned that the deliberations will contribute significantly in shaping the country’s future ocean governance framework.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from Government bodies, the private sector and the civil society, with a view to reinforcing the legitimacy, inclusivity and collective ownership of the proposed framework for ocean governance and sustainable blue growth.
The themes discussed comprised: Fisheries, Aquaculture and Food Security; Blue Diplomacy and Ocean Governance; Sustainable Marine Tourism; Marine Renewable Energy; Green Ports, Maritime Transport and Trade; Blue Finance; and Climate Change, Biodiversity and Conservation.
Source : GIS Mauritius
