Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has stated that investments in research, innovation and technology could unlock new solutions for ocean conservation resource efficiency, and climate resilience.
Oyetola, who was represented by Olufemi Oloruntola, his permanent secretary, made the call during his opening address at Abuja at a stakeholders’ consultative workshop on national blue economy strategy organized by the African Union for Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources with funding from the Kingdom of Norway.
The minister noted that investment in research would pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.
He therefore called for a continuous investment in research, innovation and technology to tackle climate change in the country.
The minister warned that marine resource over exploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change imperil ocean ecosystem health and resilience.
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The Osun State former governor added that addressing the challenges required concerted efforts to promote responsible resource management, mitigate environmental impacts, and build resilience to climate change.
“This will help to build the potential to drive inclusive growth, create employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty, particularly in coastal and island communities.
“When we choose to harness the vast potential of our oceans sustainably, we can unlock new sources of economic value, such as fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, renewable energy, and biotechnology,” Oyetola said.
Also, speaking at the event, Babatunde Sule, the director of Maritime Services at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, emphasised the collective need to address climate change.
Sule stressed the importance of prioritising prevention to mitigate marine environment disasters and save lives.
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