Tourism, R Mabudafhasi, during the conference of Parties of the Nairobi and
Abidjan conventions
8 November 2007
Programme Director
Ministers of Environment and Fisheries
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director
Ambassadors and High Commissioners present with us
Ladies and gentlemen
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the first joint conference of parties of
the Nairobi and Abidjan conventions. I believe that your presence in this joint
conference today, emphasises your commitment to the Nairobi and Abidjan
conventions.
We need not be reminded of the importance of our oceans. You will recall
that oceans make 80% of our planet and provide a myriad of services. With more
than 60% of our populations living in the coastal zone, the marine environment
has the potential to significantly contribute to the Millennium Development
Goals, particularly that of poverty reduction.
Therefore, the sustainable management of these resources is vital and will
also contribute to the achievement of the 2010 target of significantly reducing
biodiversity loss.
The coastal and offshore waters and island states of the Sub-Saharan Africa
region are ranked among the most productive waters in the world. The countries
in Western Africa are rich in fisheries, oil, gas and mineral resources, while
those in Eastern Africa have rich and diverse ecosystems. Overall, the two
regions have great potential for tourism and serve as important reservoirs of
marine and coastal biological diversity. The economic value of the biodiversity
in the two regions provides enormous potential benefits for countries, and
especially coastal communities.
"Building on success" as the theme for our joint meeting should enable the
contracting parties to take stock of the progress made in the many projects and
programmes that have been implemented since the adoption of the two
conventions, and hopefully will build on this momentum with increased political
commitment.
Excellencies, distinguished participants, South Africa straddles important
shipping routes between Europe, Asia and South America, handling huge volumes
(80%) of the world's shipping traffic, add to this the Cape of Storms and you
will understand why South Africa is vulnerable to shipping accidents and
pollution. Second, the active offshore explorations for petroleum and minerals
as well as pollution from land base sources are serious threats to our marine
environment. When faced with these kinds of trans-boundary challenges, it
necessitates management and co-operation efforts with our neighbouring states
and the entire region.
The commitment that has been displayed by the ratifying countries is
commendable and I am delighted that Mauritania and Cape Verde have already
begun with the process of ratifying the Abidjan convention.
This joint COP provides an important opportunity to generate increased
visibility, commitment and ownership of the conventions. It is noted from our
Reviews that the two conventions faces many challenges which result in slow
implementation.
This joint meeting of the two conventions presents an opportunity for
renewed commitment to improve implementation of the Abidjan convention. Our
collective efforts are required to help fulfil the goals of our conventions as
outlined in its 2008/11 Work Programme, which aim to address poverty, job
creation, better health and sustainable livelihoods of our coastal communities
and the entire population.
Excellencies, distinguished participants, our challenge is to ensure that
the decisions we have taken here are translated into action. I would invite my
colleagues to continue to give political and financial support to the
secretariat and programmes of both conventions as this is a key to building our
capacity to sustainably manage our marine resources.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
8 November 2007
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.deat.gov.za)
