Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire — A two-day workshop kicked off today in Grand-Bassam to validate findings from four thematic groups focused on the blue economy. Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the event aims to align these reports with the country’s sustainable development priorities while identifying concrete partnership opportunities to propel the sector forward.
Dedi Séraphin, FAO’s Programme Officer in Côte d’Ivoire, highlighted the agency’s long-standing collaboration with the Ivorian government. Through dedicated initiatives, the FAO supports policies and strategies that bolster food security, promote sustainable natural resource management, and advance the sustainable exploitation of aquatic, fishing, and coastal resources.
The thematic group reports, Séraphin noted, serve as strategic decision-making tools. They provide actionable insights to guide public policies and investments in the blue economy, ensuring alignment with local realities and national priorities.
He urged participants to leverage the workshop to pinpoint viable public-private partnerships and critically assess the reports. The goal is to craft practical, prioritized recommendations with clear responsibilities and timelines—paving the way for translating policy into measurable progress.
Séraphin reiterated the FAO’s commitment to supporting Côte d’Ivoire in implementing the workshop’s outcomes. This includes leveraging technical expertise and fostering dialogue among public, private, and technical partners to drive impactful action.
The ultimate aim is to convert these recommendations into high-priority initiatives backed by realistic funding mechanisms. By doing so, the blue economy can emerge as a sustainable engine for food security, job creation, and economic resilience.
Government reaffirms commitment to sustainable blue economy
Dr. Kaba Ibrahima, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, stressed the government’s dedication to implementing the workshop’s recommendations. These efforts aim to foster a sustainable blue economy that enhances food sovereignty, youth employment, and economic growth.
He expressed gratitude for the FAO’s ongoing support in advancing the blue economy agenda, praising its technical and methodological assistance. The government values this partnership and is eager to continue collaborating on national priorities.
The workshop brings together key stakeholders, including sector experts, researchers, government representatives, private sector players, technical and financial partners, and civil society. It concludes tomorrow, marking a critical step in shaping Côte d’Ivoire’s blue economy future.