Environment and Forestry CS Keriako Tobiko has underscored the importance of incorporating youth in decision making level, to harness new ideas and innovations.
Speaking during the UN Ocean Conference high level event, dubbed “From Lisbon to Sharm el Sheikh, ambitions for ocean-climate action at COP 27”, the CS said that, it’s time to bring new ideas and innovation on board and countries should invest in blue economy for the future of the youth.
The CS said ocean plays a vital role in regulating our global climate. It also offers a wealth of mitigation solutions – from harnessing offshore renewable energy to unlocking zero emission shipping, restoring blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves offer both biodiversity and adaptation wins.
CS Tobiko said Kenya is the Chair of the Committee of African Head of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) and H.E the President has just launched several key instruments to tackle climate issues including the African Union Climate Change Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan.
“In COP26 the oceans found a central location in the decisions. It is important that the decisions of the UN Oceans Conference are taken forward to Lisbon. The IPCC report has red-coded oceans therefore we must take action”, he said.
The meeting featured various stakeholders from government and non-state actor, who called for marine ecosystem financing and new blue economy ideas on investment dominated the whole event. Various states shared their best practices and future plans on scaling up finance towards bluing the economy.
