New drive seeks to unlock blue economy in East Africa

Dar es Salaam. A new campaign has been launched to revitalise East Africa’s blue economy has been launched by Ascending Africa.

The campaign dubbed Kilindini seeks to address the region’s urgent need for sustainable management of its maritime resources and enhance the professions of coastal communities dependent on the South West Indian Ocean for their survival.

Derived from the Swahili word for “deep”, Kilindini reflects the region’s rich maritime history and its economic potential, according to Pan-African initiative Ascending Africa which runs the campaign.

However, the sector faces mounting challenges, including illegal fishing, dwindling fish stocks, environmental degradation, and maritime security threats.

The Kilindini campaign seeks to reverse these trends by promoting sustainable fisheries management, enhancing coastal community involvement, and leveraging innovative technologies to safeguard the future of the Indian Ocean.

“East Africa’s blue economy has untapped potential to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, and preserve marine biodiversity,” said Kilindini campaign spokesperson Tendai Mtana.

“Through this initiative, we aim to restore balance, empower local communities, and ensure the long-term health of the ocean that sustains us all,” he added.

The Kilindini campaign highlights several key threats to the region’s marine ecosystem. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) costs the South West Indian Ocean region over $415 million annually, depleting fish stocks crucial to local communities, according to the statement.

It also fuels other illicit activities, including human trafficking and smuggling. Overfishing and climate change are pushing fish populations to dangerously low levels, jeopardising food security and livelihoods across East Africa.

Pollution, coral bleaching, and habitat loss continue to threaten marine ecosystems, making the protection of mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds vital for maintaining ecological balance.

Additionally, the region’s waters, which serve as a key global shipping route, face threats from piracy, smuggling, and illegal trafficking, necessitating improved security measures.

To address the issues, the Kilindini campaign has outlined several initiatives. Sustainable fisheries management will involve the introduction of fishing quotas, seasonal bans, and community-led conservation efforts to restore fish stocks.

The campaign also aims to empower coastal communities by providing training and awareness programmes to support sustainable fishing and conservation.

Strengthening cooperation among East African nations is another key objective, as regional collaboration will help to develop shared solutions for coastal challenges.

Additionally, technological innovation will play a crucial role, with satellite tracking, AI-powered fish migration models, and drones for surveillance being utilised to enhance marine resource management.