What you need to know about Zanzibar’s Blue Economy?
According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.” European Commission defines it as “All economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts.
Lawmakers role in Zanzibar’s Blue Economy
HOUSE of representatives in Zanzibar have been cited as key drives for an ambitious Blue Economy programme in Zanzibar.
Deputy Speaker of the Zanzibar House of Representatives, Mgeni Hassan Juma, stated this when she officiated at the opening of capacity building workshop on various Blue Economy instruments’ (proposed legislation) for the Members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
She said the progress towards a successful Blue Economy lies on the commitment, better laws and sustainable development of socioeconomic activities including fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.
“We need to work together to ensure that the Blue Economy and fisheries benefit all as the majority of people engaging in marine resources-related activities (seaweed and sardine drying) are women.
“Policies and laws along with researches in marine are important in achieving our goals,” Ms Mgeni emphasised.
The Minister for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Suleiman Masoud Makame said the purpose of meeting was to provide an opportunity for Members of the House of Representatives to understand the development, so far, in the making of policies and laws on the Blue Economy in Zanzibar.
Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr Aboud Suleiman and other experts from the ministry made presentations on fisheries, aquaculture, marine conservation and research legislation, saying the legislation was important in realising the Blue Economy agenda, which leaves no one behind as it included gender.
UNDP’s Tanzania Economic Adviser, Ms Weyinmi Omamuli, said UNDP is proud to be partner of the government of Zanzibar in various initiatives.
She said UNDP fully supports the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Fisheries and all its initiatives and has Blue Economy high among its priorities.
“Since 2021 UNDP has been working with the ministry through a a number of initiatives, supporting development of various instruments to enable Zanzibar achieve the Blue Economy agenda which is the pillar for Zanzibar Vision 2050 to attain middle income status by that year,” she said.
Ms Omamuli said that the Marine Protected Areas Act will ensure better protection of marine resources and related biodiversity and ecosystem necessary for an ocean-based economy.
The law provides directives on how Tanzania can protect and conserve resources to ensure sustainability of the environment.
Legislator Mr Suleiman Makame thanked the ministry and the UNDP for facilitating the seminar.
“People engaging in fishing and seaweed farming and other marine resource activities, must be involved in making laws. Their views are important in having better laws.”
Source: allafrica.com
Share this news
This Year’s Most Read News Stories
Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
ALSO READ: NBC’s Saving Campaign Empowers Customers Nationwide
Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
How new crop insurance will change farmers’ fortunes
Initiative is a shot in the arm for agriculture, which is currently virtually uninsured with just 0.17 percent of all general insurance sales.Continue Reading
The reason internet speeds in Tanzania still lag behind
Vodacom Tanzania was placed 16th at 17. ’08 Mbps, while Airtel Tanzania was ranked 18th available on 12. 89 Mbps.Continue Reading
