Luanda: The Minister of Tourism, Marcio Daniel, reaffirmed on Wednesday in Luanda that Angola has implemented several initiatives to ensure the sustainable management of its marine resources. The minister made the statement at the 7th Ministerial Conference of the Benguela Current Convention (BCC), which brings together representatives from Angola, Namibia, and South Africa.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Marcio Daniel stated that under Angola's National Sea Strategy (ENMA), the country is promoting a sustainable economy by strengthening Marine Spatial Planning, with an emphasis on national sovereignty and, above all, on guaranteeing food security. The minister added that the National Biodiversity Plan secures the protection of specific habitats and the conservation of threatened species, as a way to ensure the maintenance of ecosystem services.
He emphasized that this commitment aligns Angola with the fundamental principles for the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components, and the fair sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources. Marcio Daniel called on Namibia and South Africa to unite for a common agenda of sustainable development in transboundary areas, preparing for the protection of biodiversity in international waters and promoting the fair sharing of the benefits of resources.
Namibia's Minister of Fisheries, Inger Zaamwani, stated that her country fully supports Angola's development efforts, especially those of the communities that depend on this ecosystem. She highlighted the preservation of the ocean as essential for the stability and sustainable development of nations, recognizing the relevance of this ecosystem, which benefits populations and economies, both now and for future generations.
Inger Zaamwani expressed commitment to strengthen governmental cooperation, focusing on knowledge transfer and the management of marine resources. The Namibian official pointed out that the strategic management of these resources is vital, as fish do not recognize borders, advocating for the need to guarantee the sustainability of resources, promote the strengthening of marine populations, and ensure strategic access to resources in the long term.
The Benguela Current Convention is an intergovernmental organization between Angola, Namibia, and South Africa, signed in 2013, to jointly manage and protect the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem. It is the world's first ecosystem-based commission, promoting the sustainable use, conservation, and rehabilitation of shared marine resources.
