The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) hosted the inaugural Blue Economy Technical Committee Meeting on Wednesday, 15th May 2024. This meeting marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to advance the Blue Economy Strategic Framework (BESF) and its comprehensive National Action Plan (NAP).

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The BESF and NAP were developed with extensive contributions from stakeholders, including various government ministries, departments, and agencies. MoPED expressed its gratitude for the invaluable technical inputs and direction provided by these institutions.

Development Secretary, at MoPED, Peter Sam-Kpakra, chairing the meeting, provided a background on the blue economy program. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s integrated and sustainable approach to managing oceanic and aquatic resources.

Sam-Kpakra emphasized the need for the technical committee to provide strategic guidance to the Blue Economy Secretariat at MoPED. The committee’s objective is to promote coherence and synergy in implementing Blue Economy initiatives, avoiding duplication of efforts.

Deputy Development Secretary Usman Cherry Conteh, representing the Honorable Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, welcomed committee members from various sectors. He acknowledged the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its support of the Blue Economy initiative and emphasized the critical role of diverse sectors in this sphere.

Conteh noted the importance of the Blue Economy Strategic Framework and Action Plan, finalized last year, for the sustainable use of Sierra Leone’s oceanic and aquatic resources. He reiterated MoPED’s role in coordinating efforts to achieve the government’s strategic policy objectives outlined in the Medium-Term National Development Plan.

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Mr. Joseph M. Samah, Assistant Director, at MoPED, during his presentation said the BESF identifies six thematic areas to guide policy actions and investments, which are; Promoting Food Security and Economic Diversification; Strengthening Marine Transportation, Ports, and Shipping; Ensuring a Healthy, Productive, and Sustainable Aquatic Environment; Advancing Surveillance, Security, and Enforcement; Exploring Blue Energy, Mineral Resources, and Innovative Financing; and Supporting Blue Governance, Science, Technology, and Research.

He said these thematic areas have been translated into immediate policy actions and interventions, forming the NAP, which aligns with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Committee members representing various sectors made valuable contributions during the discussion session. They reviewed the Terms of Reference for the Technical Committee and adopted the Annual Work Plan for the Secretariat. The outcomes of these discussions will guide the Ministerial Steering Committee, ensuring effective coordination and implementation of blue economy initiatives.