The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has called for greater involvement of traditional institutions in Africa’s Blue Economy development, following the inauguration of the African Traditional Leaders Council (ATLC).
The council was inaugurated on Nov. 12 at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together more than 46 kingdoms and indigenous institutions.
ABER Convener and Founder, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, in a reaction to the development on Saturday, described the it as an important step towards strengthening community participation in sustainable ocean and water resources management.
Kiyaramo, commended HRH Princess Dr. Nikiwe Bam, ABER Special Envoy on African Traditional Institutions and the Diaspora, for spearheading the initiative.
Bam is also the Founder of Afrikan Indigenous Leaders (AIL), which facilitated the coming together of traditional institutions under the continental platform.
Kiyaramo said traditional rulers had strategic roles to play in the Blue Economy because of their influence in coastal, riverine and lake communities.
He identified community mobilisation, environmental conservation, preservation of indigenous knowledge and conflict resolution as areas where traditional institutions could contribute.
According to him, traditional rulers are custodians of creeks, rivers, lakes and coastal waters where many Blue Economy activities take place.
He said their involvement would promote community acceptance and ownership of projects, while encouraging sustainable fishing, aquaculture and biodiversity conservation.
The ABER founder also noted that traditional institutions could deploy indigenous communication networks to educate fisherfolk, women and youths on responsible use of aquatic resources.
He explained ed that their knowledge of local ecosystems, weather patterns and biodiversity could complement scientific approaches to water resources management.
Kiyaramo said the council’s peacebuilding, mediation and conflict prevention mandate would also help create an enabling environment for investment in coastal and lake communities.
He further identified cultural preservation and heritage promotion as important components of Smart Blue Tourism development.
“The Blue Economy will not be built in boardrooms alone. It will be built in the communities, and traditional leaders are the gateway to those communities,” he said.
The Addis Ababa Declaration, presented by H.E. Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro IX of Nigeria, was adopted by acclamation at the inauguration.
The declaration established the ATLC as an independent, voluntary and non-partisan continental body to complement government efforts.
It also provides for the advancement of the African Union Agenda 2063, including reparatory justice and indigenous economic development.
Kiyaramo said ABER would work with the council through the Office of its Special Envoy to integrate traditional institutions into Africa’s Blue Economy agenda.
He said the partnership would strengthen community engagement and promote inclusive and sustainable development across the continent.