Tanzania has urged closer cooperation with South Africa on managing marine environments and coastal areas to protect ecosystems and create opportunities in fisheries, tourism and the blue economy. The call came during a bilateral meeting between Tanzania's Minister of State in the Vice-President's Office Eng Hamad Masauni and South Africa's Deputy Minister for Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh at the 12th Meeting of the Parties to the Nairobi Convention in Dar es Salaam.
Eng Masauni said healthy marine ecosystems were critical for fisheries, tourism, climate resilience and long-term blue economy development. He identified marine pollution, plastic waste, habitat destruction, climate change and competition for coastal areas as major challenges that need coordinated responses. He highlighted South Africa's expertise in integrated coastal management, marine protected areas, environmental monitoring and marine resource conservation as potentially valuable for Tanzania.
The two countries could also collaborate on marine science, technology and innovation to support decision-making and industry development, Eng Masauni said. Possible areas of cooperation include marine monitoring systems, research on marine organisms, aquaculture technology and biotechnology derived from marine resources.
Cooperation in the ocean economy could drive investment, create jobs, spur innovation and support sustainable development in coastal communities, Eng Masauni added. Exchanging experience, technology and expertise could help both nations use marine resources sustainably, add value to fishery products, boost marine tourism and enhance port and maritime services.