African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFEMSI) on Tuesday conferred the Executive Director, operations & Technical, Tantita security, Limited, Capt. Wareddi Enisuoh, with 9AFEMSI Extraordinary Ambassador Award in recognition of his contribution to the Marine and Blue Economy sector in Nigeria.
Enisuoh was conferred with the award
after delivering a key note address on the theme: ‘Achieving Blue Growth in a Changing Climate ( integrating the coastal communities) at a two- day workshop organised by AFEMSI in Lagos.
He advised the federal government to invest in carbon credits to attract sustainable development in the Marine and Blue Economy Sector.
Enisuoh explained further that Green House Gas Emissions and other challenges of climate change could be converted as a roadmap for employment generation and development for coastal communities if the potentials are properly harnessed.
He said: “Carbon credits attract renewable energy and it can be converted to opportunities through effective use and management of the ocean for development in the country.
“Nigeria has the potentials to create jobs and reduce risk if the country develops a good sustainable ocean plan.
“The country needs a long term economic and social development by protecting the marine areas that will attract development with the aims of maximising profit,” he said
The maritime security Expert identified impacts of deforestation, animal farming, crops harvesting, damages caused by diesels, gas lines, ships and ports which according to him constitute three to five per cent of Green House Gas Emission, as some of the resources that the country could deploy towards achieving blue growth results.
President and Founder, AFEMSI and Convener of the symposium and workshop, Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Chinwe Mogo, called for collaboration of coastal communities and all stakeholders in the Marine and Blue Economy sector towards promoting marine regulation and development.
” We must be united by our shared commitment to achieving sustainable blue growth in Africa, particularly in the context of our rapidly changing climate.
“As we continue to explore the vast opportunities that the blue economy presents, it is imperative that we also reflect on the direction we, as a community, are taking and the future targets we must set to realise our collective vision for Africa’s oceans and coastal communities,” she said
AFMESI was founded on a core mission: to ensure the sustainable management and conservation of our marine and coastal environments while fostering economic growth that benefits not just businesses but also the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on these precious resources.
Over the years, AFMESI according to her has championed numerous projects and initiatives in Nigeria, and across Africa, aimed at protecting the country’s marine ecosystems, empowering coastal communities, and advancing policy frameworks that support sustainable marine practices.
Mogo assured of AFMESI’s plan to expand its community-based projects, offer training, resources, and support to empower local populations to take an active role in managing their marine resources.
This, according to her will include enhancing their capacity for sustainable fishing practices, ecotourism, and marine conservation efforts and ensuring they are not left behind in the global blue economy transition.
The symposium also featured cultural dance by an Ijaw cultural group.