IGAD validates Ethiopia’s Action Plan on National Blue Economy Strategy

July 8, 2024 (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa (UNECA SRO-EA), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Maritime Authority, conducted a final validation workshop of the National Blue Economy Strategy Action Plan and Ethiopia’s assessment using the UNECA Blue Economy Valuation Toolkit (BEVTK). The workshop followed a consultative exercise held in Addis Ababa on 23 and 24 October 2023 to review the BEVTK Action Plan and assessment documents.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the workshop, Dr. Eshete Dejen, Program Manager of the Sustainable Environment Division of AED, speaking on behalf of the Director of Agriculture and Environment of IGAD, Daher Elmi, said that our water resources, our lakes, rivers and wetlands, are reservoirs of untapped wealth. The purpose of this workshop is clear: to validate the action plan that will guide Ethiopia’s sustainable development in the blue economy. Our aim is to fill the visible gaps, modernize our water management and ensure the participation of all stakeholders.

The validation workshop was attended by stakeholders including decision-makers from ministries, agencies and departments affected by the blue economy, representatives of the private sector, civil society, development partners and academics. The aim was to:

• Review and agreement of the Action Plan of the National Strategy for the Blue Economy
• Improve coordination in the implementation of blue economy initiatives
• Review and agree on the data sources used in the toolkit

The workshop was officially opened by Mr. Abdulber Shemsu, Director General of Ethiopian Maritime Authority. He stressed that Ethiopia’s initiative to fully commit to the development of its blue economy resources is commendable given its landlocked status. The country recognizes the potential of its 12 river basins and 30 lakes, offering opportunities to improve the water-food-energy nexus as well as promote community social development. Ethiopia is already actively and successfully engaged in related sectors such as the maritime sector, hydropower, fisheries, and soda and lime mining.

The workshop concluded successfully. The highlights of the day were the validation of the National Blue Economy Strategy Action Plan and the assessment of Ethiopia using the UNECA Blue Economy Valuation Toolkit (BEVTK).

The meeting was organised with financial support from the Swedish Government and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) project “Strengthening the Blue Economy in IGAD Coastal Member States for Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Diversification”.