President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for collaboration between countries, cities and communities to ensure a sustainable future for the World.
Uhuru said the World has a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a model that is environmentally friendly and which allows maximum exploitation of resources both on land and in oceans.
The President spoke at the global forum for Governors and Mayors, which was held on the sidelines of the ongoing Sustainable Blue Economy Conference being held at the Kenyatta International Convention Center.
“Our grand vision should not be just about building cities and towns, but rather also about creating jobs and livable neighbourhoods by our communities,” he said.
President Uhuru said the biggest question facing humanity is how to feed nine billion people the world is projected to have in 2050.
He said the easiest way of facing the challenge is to increase the resilience of communities as well as engaging in the protection of the environment.
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Uhuru said actions should also be taken to minimise the impact of global warming, especially on coastal cities.
“Scientists estimate that 275 million people worldwide live in areas that will eventually be flooded at 3C of global warming. Although sea levels will not rise instantaneously, the calculated increases will be “locked in” at a temperature rise of 3C, meaning they will be irreversible even if warming eventually slows down.
The President said the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference comes at the right time when governments and non-governmental organisations are realising the imperative to work together for a sustainable future for humanity.
President Uhuru said Kenya has several towns along the coast, lakes and rivers, including two of the countries big cities.
He said Mombasa and Kisumu, in particular, offer investment opportunities in renewable energy, tourism, fish processing and storage, maritime transport, and shipping among others.
“The National government and our counties have put together a portfolio of bankable investment projects of almost US dollars 1.4 billion in these areas,” said the President when he spoke at another forum for business and private sector also held on the sidelines of the conference.
President Danny Faure of Seychelles said his country is committed to share its experiences on the blue economy with other African nations.
He said the hosting of the blue economy conference by Kenya was a sign that Africa has finally woken up to the reality of the wealth in its oceans and lakes.
“We are committed to work with the African Union to ensure there is synergy in development of the blue economy,” said President Faure.
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