Canada to co-host first global sustainable blue economy conference in Kenya

The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honorable Jonathan Wilkinson, will co-host the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi, Kenya from November 26-28.

The conference, hosted by Kenya, Canada and Japan, will focus on:

• creating sustainable economic growth;
• ensuring healthy and clean waters; and
• building safe and resilient coastal communities.

This is the first international conference on the sustainable blue economy. Well over 10,000 participants from around the world will learn from each other how to build a prosperous and sustainable blue economy that benefits all.

Canada has the longest coastline in the world. But it is Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that are the most vulnerable to effects of climate change on the ocean. This is why Canada is enabling participation from SIDS, with a particular emphasis on women, to the conference.

A successful sustainable blue economy is an inclusive one. Minister Wilkinson will lead a delegation of Canadian businesses, scientists, entrepreneurs, national organizations, and representatives from Indigenous groups looking to partner and advance the prosperous, inclusive and sustainable use of our oceans, seas, lakes and rivers.

In Nairobi, Minister Wilkinson will be joined by the Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations, Ambassador Marc-André Blanchard and Canada’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Lisa Stadelbauer.

Quotes

“A viable blue economy needs viable oceans. This conference is a vital step in helping the world transition to a blue economy which is prosperous, inclusive and sustainable. Tapping into the potential of the blue economy in a sustainable manner is really about people and societies – creating jobs and combatting hunger and poverty.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick Facts

• It is estimated that half of the world’s population lives within 60 kilometres of the sea and three quarters of all large cities are located along the coast. (Source: United Nations Environment Program).

• Blue economy industries account for the livelihoods of 660 to 820 million people worldwide, with women accounting for about 15 percent of those engaged in fisheries. (Source: The Food and Agriculture Organization).

• In Canada, the oceans alone are a source of approximately 350,000 jobs and generate approximately $36 billion annually in GDP through fisheries and aquaculture, energy, shipping, tourism and recreation.

• As co-host, Canada is contributing $2 million USD to enable global participation to the conference, especially from Small Island Developing States and least developed countries, with particular emphasis on women.

• Representatives from more than 150 developed and developing countries will participate in the conference.