Calling for ocean justice

DFFE Minister at Ocean of the Future Conference

“A sustainable ocean economy cannot be achieved without justice, inclusion and resilience,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George told an international audience at the High-Level Ocean of the Future Meeting held in New York, USA.

“I bring a perspective rooted in national experience and global responsibility,” he said as he noted the importance of the ocean as being central to energy and trade security – and highlighted South Africa’s intention to unlock the potential of the ocean economy.

“In South Africa, we are unlocking ocean economy potential in marine transport, aquaculture, tourism and offshore resources, while embedding sustainability through stronger governance,” he said noting the importance of marine spatial planning (MSP).

“By allocating ocean space strategically, MSP ensures that competing uses can coexist while safeguarding ecosystems. It supports our priorities as G20 President by tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, expanding marine protected areas, and promoting sustainable aquaculture,” he added.

Emphasising the need to prioritise a just transition, George said that the equitable development of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism should support small-scale fishers and coastal communities to create jobs while simultaneously protecting marine biodiversity.

George also spoke about plans to green the country’s ports as well as promote low-carbon shipping. “Together with the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, these efforts show that secure and sustainable maritime transport is the backbone of trade security and a shared responsibility of governments and business,” he said as he spoke about a national framework to integrate resilience, sustainability and equity as part of South Africa’s Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan.

“The Plan promotes precautionary and technology-driven adaptation, elevates coastal resilience from a domestic priority to a global issue, and underscores the need for scaled-up climate finance, technology transfer and coordinated policy. Predictable finance is essential so that municipalities and communities can access the resources they need to strengthen early warning, invest in resilient infrastructure, and protect ecosystems,” he said.

“Aligned with the Chennai High-Level Principles adopted under India’s G20 Presidency, on ocean health, climate-ocean linkages, social equity, gender equality and Marine Spatial Planning, South Africa stands ready to work with G20 partners. Together, we must build an ocean economy that is environmentally sustainable, socially just, inclusive, and a true driver of resilience,” he concluded calling for a cooperative approach to make the just transition in the ocean a reality.

PHOTO: Kalk Bay Harbour. (Adobe PhotoStock)