Luanda: The Secretary of State for Fisheries and Marine Resources, lvaro dos Santos, has acknowledged the structural challenges in Angola's fisheries sector that necessitate firm and coordinated responses. He emphasized the blue economy as a strategic pillar for the country's sustainable development.
According to Angola Press News Agency, dos Santos addressed these issues during the 4th Conference on Sustainability and Blue Economy. He identified illegal fishing, the fragility of the value chain, and the imperative inclusion of fishing communities in resource management and conservation as critical challenges facing the sector.
Dos Santos highlighted Angola's extensive Atlantic coastline and marine heritage as key economic opportunities and strategic national assets. He underscored the importance of an integrated approach that aligns economic investment, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion with the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda.
The Secretary of State stressed the transformation of marine potential into domestic economic value through infrastructure development, local processing, private investment attraction, and job creation, particularly for the youth. He also emphasized the importance of environmental conservation, proposing measures such as the establishment and management of marine protected areas, ecosystem restoration, and combating marine pollution to ensure ecological resilience against climate change.
lvaro dos Santos remarked that the future of the sea "is not an abstraction, but a decision," urging active participation across all sectors to ensure discussions result in tangible actions for Angola and future generations.
The event, Synergy, is organized by ARC - Business Communication Consulting and aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, best practices, and partnerships between public and private entities. This year's edition gathers policymakers, managers, academics, NGOs, local communities, and international partners to explore practical and policy solutions for the sustainable development of Angola's diverse marine resources.
Topics such as 'Challenges and Perspectives for Angola,' 'Sea Security,' 'Renewable Energy and Logistics,' and 'Conversation Among Policymakers' are set to be part of the conference discussions.
