The adverse effects of climate change on the blue economy could compromise the representation and participation of women in this sector, further marginalizing them. It is therefore appropriate to consider solutions to address climate change and its impacts on human activities with a view to a sustainable blue economy.
The Network of Professional Women in the Maritime and Port Sector of the AOC (RFPMP-AOC) has been organizing, since Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Abidjan, a seminar on the general theme: « Blue Economy and Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities for African Women in Maritime and Port Industries. »
Through this theme, the Network, as stated by the General Coordinator, Guihard Florentine, during the opening ceremony held at the Autonomous Port of Abidjan, aims to contribute to the emergence of a sustainable blue economy by mastering the effects of climate change. The objectives include:
- Enhancing the knowledge of African women in the maritime and port sectors about the challenges of climate change and sustainable blue economy.
- Raising awareness among African port women about the need to protect the environment for a sustainable blue economy.
- Understanding the challenges faced by key sectors of the blue economy (such as coastal tourism, port areas, maritime transport, fishing, and aquaculture) in the face of climate change.
- Sensitizing governments on the need to invest in projects aimed at preserving oceans, seas, and rivers for a sustainable blue economy.
- Raising awareness among African women in maritime and port sectors about the opportunities the blue economy offers in terms of jobs and investments.
This first annual meeting of the RFPMP-AOC is taking place in Abidjan, under the auspices of the AGPAOC, with a panel of experts. The conclusions and recommendations from the discussions will be submitted to the Directors General of the Ports of the AOC.
In recent years, the international community has become aware of the significant growth potential offered by the blue economy, which is defined as the sustainable use of marine and ocean resources for economic development. It encompasses various sectors such as fishing, aquaculture, coastal tourism, maritime transport, and offshore renewable energy.
However, climate change is placing increasing pressure on marine and coastal ecosystems, exacerbating significant challenges as it directly affects coastal communities and the economic activities that depend on them. Additionally, unsustainable production and consumption patterns have led to the overexploitation and even depletion of terrestrial resources. Obviously, women, the backbone of life in our communities, who play an essential role in the maritime and port sectors, are often sadly impacted by these changes, facing a range of obstacles and specific inequalities.
According to Amadou Koné, Minister of Transport and President of this ceremony, « all these observations have led coastal states to turn towards marine resources, which offer great potential for wealth that can stimulate economic growth and social prosperity, while ensuring environmental protection. »
“The blue economy is a new opportunity that fits in perfectly with the spirit of sustainability and resilience advocated by the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development. It thus contributes to achieving the objectives of the Agenda 2030, and in particular of MDG n°14, namely: ”
Conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”. At African level, the African Union
African Union has clearly enshrined this ambition in its vision of Agenda 2063: “The Africa we want “and describes the blue economy as the ‘New Frontier of the African Renaissance’”, he added.
The Minister of Transport stated that the need to adapt maritime and port activities to the effects of climate change also creates opportunities for women in all sectors, whether they are fishers, navigators, fuel suppliers, consignors, or administrators.
« Their leadership could thus contribute to the development of sustainable policies and practices to address the challenges of climate change in the maritime sector. It is therefore essential to promote the inclusion of women in the maritime and port sectors by providing them with opportunities for training, economic empowerment, and participation in decision-making. This will not only help address the challenges posed by climate change but also seize the opportunities offered by the blue economy for the sustainable development of our regions in West and Central Africa, » emphasized the Minister of Transport.
Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself as a player invested in global and regional agendas, which could make its contribution to the development of this sustainable and inclusive blue economy. According to Amadou Koné, with its two coastlines, its coveted fisheries and its energy resources, the country possesses significant maritime capital.
“Thanks to their geostrategic positions at the crossroads of maritime routes (Africa, Europe, Asia), Ivorian ports are essential transit points for the flow of traded goods. Our country has therefore naturally built itself around its ports, and has developed expertise and know-how in the various trades related to the sea. Certain activities, such as fishing, tourism, maritime transport and port logistics, have historically played a predominant role in Côte d’Ivoire’s economy, each benefiting from well-defined sectoral strategies,” he emphasized.
Recommendations will certainly emanate from the proceedings of this seminar. Amadou Koné hopes that these recommendations will be both individual and collective resolutions for each of them, as it is on this basis that they will convince the General Managers of West and Central African ports, and even our decision-makers, who will be responsible for implementing them.
For his part, he undertook to study their requests with great care, in order to lend his support, as far as possible, to all initiatives likely to guarantee the emergence of maritime and port women in the face of climate change.
The women are meeting today for a statutory reason, but for a special agenda: the renewal of the board of the Network’s Professional, Maritime and Port Women
According to AGPAOC Secretary General Jean-Marie Koffi, this moment marks an important turning point in the collective journey of the Network’s members.
“It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate past achievements, recognize the outstanding contributions of those who have served for a number of years, and look to the future with optimism and determination,” he said.
Addressing the outgoing members, he expressed his deepest gratitude for their dedication, leadership and vision, with a nod to the outgoing General Coordinator.
According to AGPAOC Secretary General Jean-Marie Koffi, this moment marks an important turning point in the collective journey of the Network’s members.
“It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate past achievements, recognize the outstanding contributions of those who have served for a number of years, and look to the future with optimism and determination,” he said.
Addressing the outgoing members, he expressed his deepest gratitude for their dedication, leadership and vision, with a nod to the outgoing General Coordinator.
« Madame Guihard Florentine, as you are the one in question, Coordinator of the Network along with your team, you have paved the way for all of us, and your legacy will continue to guide the steps of those who will take the helm. Thank you for all that you have accomplished, » said the Secretary General.
To those who will take over at the end of the General Assembly starting on July 31, 2024, he assured them of AGPAOC’s support. « Know that you have our full support. You are the guardians of our mission and our values. We trust in your ability to continue advancing the aspirations of women in maritime and port sectors, to promote equal opportunities, and to strengthen your presence and influence in this vital sector, » he emphasized.
In his view, this AGM is also a time to reflect on the challenges still facing Network members, as the maritime and port sector is evolving rapidly, and with it the expectations and demands placed on the profession. “We must remain vigilant, proactive and innovative. Climate change, technological advances and global economic dynamics
dynamics are all challenges that we must transform into opportunities”, advised,
Jean-Marie Koff.
Climate change has a direct and significant impact on ports and maritime activities.
For Hien Sié Yacouba, Managing Director of the Autonomous Port of Abidjan, it is imperative to develop and implement mitigation strategies.
effective mitigation strategies to ensure the resilience and sustainability of the sector. He reassured the Network that the Autonomous Port of Abidjan will put into practice all the most relevant recommendations retained at the end of the proceedings.
Source: Koaci
