Nelson Mandela Bay’s Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Mongameli Bobani, has called on ocean economy stakeholders to be cautious and responsive to global challenges like climate change, food and energy security, biodiversity, conservation and management of marine resources to able to develop a sound oceans economy.
Speaking at the Growth and Sustainable Solutions for Southern Oceans Symposium held at the Boardwalk Convention Centre, Councillor Bobani said that, if managed well, the development of the oceans economy presented an unprecedented set of opportunities for extending the socio-economic prospects and development in the entire Eastern Cape province.
“This will not only create job opportunities, but will also develop the city’s economy in a sustainable manner,” said the Deputy Mayor.
The symposium is a two day-event, jointly organised by the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan University, Wartsila Marine Solutions, the South African International Maritine Institute, South African Maritine Safety Authority, and the Finnish and Royal Norwegian Embassies.
It was convened to develop South African knowledge, understanding and competence in the areas of shipbuilding and aquaculture. The symposium will assist potential maritime stakeholders in taking into account the major strategic considerations for start-ups in the two sectors.
The event will include round-table discussions and commissions in the following topics among others: investing in the Blue Economy; investing in future fisheries; developing a maritine cluster and broader ecosystems and aquaculture economy as well as competitive design and shipbuilding for Southern Oceans.
Deputy Mayor Bobani said that the partnership between the parties hosting the event would see increased understanding and cooperation in the Oceans Economy domain.
“The benefits this symposium holds for job creation are immense. It is important that business partners come on board from the early stage to develop much-needed knowledge, understanding and competence in the sector,” added Councillor Bobani.
The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Derrick Swarts, said that with more than 80 percent of South African goods being transported through the ocean in South Africa , more urgent focus needed to be given to the ocean sector.
“Currently our skills base is focused on land. We need to work on this together. We need to build a robust economic case to support this commitment, failing which our discussions will remain academic. However, we need to understand that it will not be ‘operation hurry up’: it will take time,” said Professor Swarts.
NMB Communications
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