Africa-Press – Angola. The President of Cape Verde, Jose Maria Neves, highlighted on Wednesday, in a video conference, the blue economy as one of the main pillars of sustainable development, climate resilience and economic diversification of coastal and island countries.
Speaking, via Zoom, at the 4th edition of the Synergy Conference under the theme “Sustainability & Blue Economy”, held in Luanda, the Cape Verdean Head of State highlighted the ocean as an environmental asset and a strategic frontier for economic growth, technological innovation and international cooperation.
José Maria Neves also mentioned that for countries like Cape Verde, where more than 99% of the territory corresponds to maritime space, the blue economy represents a decisive opportunity to strengthen food security, create jobs, attract investment and increase resilience to climate change.
The president emphasized the importance of integrated public policies, with a coherent legal framework, effective ocean governance and inter-institutional coordination, having warned that the mere existence of marine resources does not guarantee prosperity without sustainable and inclusive management.
Among the challenges highlighted, the president emphasized the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, the need to strengthen maritime surveillance and the development of local value chains that allow for greater retention of economic benefits in national economies.
The President of Cape Verde also advocated investment in human capital, with special attention to technical training, as well as the participation of young people and women and the strengthening of the role of universities and research centers.
He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to regional and international cooperation, considering that initiatives such as the Synergy Conference are fundamental to transforming the potential of the blue economy into concrete benefits for populations, with a view to ensuring the protection of the oceans for present and future generations.
Synergy is a periodic event in conference format, held by ARC – Business Communication Consultancy, which aims to promote the exchange of knowledge, best practices and partnerships between public and business institutions.
In this edition, the event brings together policymakers, managers, academics, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and international partners to discuss practical and policy solutions aimed at the sustainable development of the multiple resources provided by Angola.
The conference featured four panels, namely “Environmental Sustainability,” “Extractive Industry,” “Tourism and its Impacts on Ecosystems,” and “Sustainability in the Light of the Financial System and ICT.”
Topics such as “Challenges and Perspectives for Angola,” “Sea Security,” “Renewable Energy and Logistics,” and “Conversation among Policymakers” were also addressed.
