Opening speech by Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, R Mabudafhasi, during the conference of Parties of the Nairobi and Abidjan conventions

Programme Director
Ministers of Environment and Fisheries
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director
Ambassadors and High Commissioners present with us
Ladies and gentlemen

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the first joint conference of parties of the Nairobi and Abidjan conventions. I believe that your presence in this joint conference today, emphasises your commitment to the Nairobi and Abidjan conventions.

We need not be reminded of the importance of our oceans. You will recall that oceans make 80% of our planet and provide a myriad of services. With more than 60% of our populations living in the coastal zone, the marine environment has the potential to significantly contribute to the Millennium Development Goals, particularly that of poverty reduction.

Therefore, the sustainable management of these resources is vital and will also contribute to the achievement of the 2010 target of significantly reducing biodiversity loss.

The coastal and offshore waters and island states of the Sub-Saharan Africa region are ranked among the most productive waters in the world. The countries in Western Africa are rich in fisheries, oil, gas and mineral resources, while those in Eastern Africa have rich and diverse ecosystems. Overall, the two regions have great potential for tourism and serve as important reservoirs of marine and coastal biological diversity. The economic value of the biodiversity in the two regions provides enormous potential benefits for countries, and especially coastal communities.

"Building on success" as the theme for our joint meeting should enable the contracting parties to take stock of the progress made in the many projects and programmes that have been implemented since the adoption of the two conventions, and hopefully will build on this momentum with increased political commitment.

Excellencies, distinguished participants, South Africa straddles important shipping routes between Europe, Asia and South America, handling huge volumes (80%) of the world's shipping traffic, add to this the Cape of Storms and you will understand why South Africa is vulnerable to shipping accidents and pollution. Second, the active offshore explorations for petroleum and minerals as well as pollution from land base sources are serious threats to our marine environment. When faced with these kinds of trans-boundary challenges, it necessitates management and co-operation efforts with our neighbouring states and the entire region.

The commitment that has been displayed by the ratifying countries is commendable and I am delighted that Mauritania and Cape Verde have already begun with the process of ratifying the Abidjan convention.

This joint COP provides an important opportunity to generate increased visibility, commitment and ownership of the conventions. It is noted from our Reviews that the two conventions faces many challenges which result in slow implementation.

This joint meeting of the two conventions presents an opportunity for renewed commitment to improve implementation of the Abidjan convention. Our collective efforts are required to help fulfil the goals of our conventions as outlined in its 2008/11 Work Programme, which aim to address poverty, job creation, better health and sustainable livelihoods of our coastal communities and the entire population.

Excellencies, distinguished participants, our challenge is to ensure that the decisions we have taken here are translated into action. I would invite my colleagues to continue to give political and financial support to the secretariat and programmes of both conventions as this is a key to building our capacity to sustainably manage our marine resources.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
8 November 2007