AFRICAN DAY OF SEAS AND OCEANS 2019, MAXIMIZING NIGERIA’S MARITIME ECONOMICS GROWTH THROUH MARITIME BIODIVESITY MANAGEMENT, EXPLORATION AND CONSERVATION.
The African Union had set a 10 year period from 2015 -2025 as the Decade Of African Seas and Oceans and the date 25th July, 2019 as the African Day of Seas ans Oceans. The celebration of Africa Day of Seas and Oceans was one of the recommendations of the 2050 African integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS) that provides a broad framework for the protection and sustainable exploitation of seas and oceans of African. With the rising transportation of goods by seas, the inter-connection and the potential impact of seas borne activities, the sustainable management of coastal and marine environment and resources is of utmost priority for Africa with focus on the following strategic framework for action.
1, fisheries and aquaculture; 2. Environmental and biodiversity monitoring marine tourism; 3 disaster risk management (DRM); 4. Handling and shipment of hazardous materials and dangerous goods.; 5. Maritime governance; 6. flag state and port state control: and illegal activity, including money laundering piracy, maritime terrorisms and human trafficking and smuggling by sea.
This event is also linked to the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations 2030. Sustainable Development Goals in encouraging the sustainable use ocean resources and provides unique Opportunity for an integrated and coherent discussion on measure for implementation of the combined\ interlined aspirations and goals.