Soyo:Angolan Secretary of State for the Management of Marine Spaces and Resources, lvaro dos Santos, emphasized the need for increased access to training, financing, and technology for women in the maritime and port sectors, as well as in fishing communities, to enhance their role in the blue economy.
According to Angola Press News Agency, lvaro dos Santos addressed these issues during the opening ceremony of a meeting organized by the Association of Women of the Seas, Ports, Logistics Platforms, and Related Activities (AMMPPLOP) of the CPLP, held in Soyo. He highlighted the importance of women's participation in decision-making bodies and acknowledged their contributions to various maritime activities, including fisheries, conservation, and logistics.
The Secretary of State underscored the significance of marine ecosystem conservation for the sustainable development of the blue economy and improving living conditions in coastal communities, with a focus on women and young people. He noted the program's environmental component, which involves cleaning coastal areas and planting mangroves, engaging women, young people, and local communities.
lvaro dos Santos pointed out the critical role of mangroves as breeding grounds and shelters for aquatic species, contributing to the resilience of coastal communities. He also discussed the importance of marine spatial planning to balance activities such as fishing, maritime transport, and tourism, using Soyo as a model for coexistence.
He called for science-based management of biological and aquatic resources, adherence to fishing regulations, and combating illegal fishing. He advocated for participatory management, where coastal communities, especially women, are key partners in marine resource management.
The AMMPPLOP meeting gathered women from CPLP countries involved in maritime-related activities. Discussions included climate change, marine ecosystem conservation, sustainability, and women's roles in developing the blue economy. The event also featured the presentation of the Marine Environmental Education Project for Women Fishmongers and Fisherwomen in Angola (PEAMPPA) and concluded with an environmental action, planting mangroves near the Cadal Canal in Soyo.
