The true value of the blue economy for Kenya :: Kenya

Kenya has not fully exploited the resources present in our waters, which constitute what is called the blue economy.

The blue economy conference currently being held at KICC in Nairobi brought together thousands of delegates to discuss the best way to develop the water economy. However, different institutions understand this concept of the blue economy differently.

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The true value of the blue economy for Kenya

According to the World Bank, the blue economy is "the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improving livelihoods and creating jobs while preserving health." of the ocean ecosystem.

Oceans are gaining in importance for international trade by linking sellers and buyers. The behavior patterns of these ocean liaison facilitators are receiving increased regulatory and economic attention as the relationship between land and oceans evolves in its role and impact. importance. The blue economy as a concept has its origin in this context.

Oceans Economics

However, the concept of "ocean economics" or "blue economy" is a recent one that emerged from the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. The goal of sustainable development is ° 14 United Nations is based on the idea that improved if life under water is conserved and also used for the good of the human being.

More than three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. Unfortunately, fish stocks are overexploited below sustainable levels.

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In Kenya, the resources of our waters are underutilized. Every year when it rains, billions of gallons of water are wasted. At best, the rains cause havoc during floods.

There is a direct correlation between the blue economy and livelihoods and food security. For Kenya, in particular, it is not just oceans or lakes, but also the possibility of using rainwater for irrigation and human consumption.

With proper planning, Kenya can produce more food than it needs. As a result of decentralization with the support of county governments, we have seen formerly exclusively pastoral communities growing fruit and other types of food. Unfortunately, year after year, there is nothing substantial in the conservation of rainwater.

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Let's learn from the discussions on the blue economy

It is incomprehensible that Kenya imports fish from China. This, while most fish harvested in our lakes are rotting due to lack of storage and transportation means. Yet we have enough fish to meet our demand and even for export.

Recently, a friend from Mogadishu called to ask me to find a market for Somali fish. Even with a fragile state, Somalia uses the sea route to export meat and live animals.

The potential for exploiting our ocean and lake resources is enormous, but the plan for doing so is lacking. Government plans, including the Big 4 program, do not focus on the blue economy and how this resource can be exploited to our advantage.

Foreign currency

Tourism is one of the areas in which Kenya can attract investment and earn foreign exchange. The Vision 2030 initiative had identified three resort towns where tourists were to flock.

In Australia, the Gold Coast is the most popular seaside resort in the Pacific Rim. Most investments in this city, including hotels and recreational facilities, come from foreign countries, especially the Middle East.

In winter in Australia, one can easily confuse the city with a country in the Middle East. The beaches of the Pacific Ocean are the main attraction.

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Let's take care not to mortgage our country against foreigners

Kenya needs to improve its ability to attract more visitors. All it needs is a good plan and active international marketing.

Unfortunately, the Kenya Tourism Board has limited its scope and has not helped the government to develop a modern tourism master plan allowing Kenya to further strengthen its position in the global market.

Attracting more tourists to Kenya is not a complex affair. All that is needed is an improved marketing strategy and incentives for visitors.

When traveling to Europe and other countries, I rarely see a travel agent marketing Kenya. South Africa and even Tanzania are getting better.

Mr. Guleid is the Executive Director of the Border Counties Development Council