Ivory Coast Launches “Blue Coast” Strategy to Protect Its Marine Environment and Promote Sustainable Economy
In a significant move towards safeguarding its coastlines, Ivory Coast has embarked on an ambitious strategy named “Blue Ivory Coast.” This initiative aims to develop a sustainable and inclusive maritime economy in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with an anticipated budget of $373 million, according to the Government’s Media and Communication Centre.
This strategy is built on three main priorities:
– Protecting and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems.
– Enhancing governance in the blue economy.
– Improving the resilience of coastal communities against climate change.
The Ivorian coastline spans over 560 kilometers, rich in mangroves, lakes, and biodiversity, making it an essential economic backbone. However, it faces increasing threats from erosion, pollution, overexploitation of marine resources, and the impacts of climate change.
Belirta Sila, the UNDP representative in Ivory Coast, emphasized that developing the blue economy is no longer an option but an urgent necessity, highlighting the programme’s support for efforts to mobilize climate financing and strengthen partnerships between public and private sectors.
She also called for a collective mobilization from all local and international actors to ensure the success of this initiative, which relies on collaborative efforts.
