On African Coastlines, Prosperity and Security Go Together
Reversing traditional ‘sea blindness’ is a no-brainer for African development; 70 per cent of African countries have coastlines, and even land-locked countries need safe seas for trade. Africa’s coastlines are an under-exploited resource, which could enhance social and economic stability. Higher per capita food supply from fish would reduce hunger and improve nutrition. Sustainable tourism could be developed, demanding healthy marine bio-diversity, which in turn requires the protection of more marine areas.
Encouragingly, the next African Union summit in Togo on 15 October signals a new ambition to move Africa’s maritime agenda beyond security. It complements the UN’s new Sustainable Development Goal 14, which challenges the world to act urgently to restore healthy, productive and resilient oceans and seas, and reflects the emphasis placed on the ‘blue economy’ by some of Africa’s coastal and island states.… Seguir leyendo »