A drive dubbed the Kilindini Campaign has been launched to revitalise East Africa’s blue economy.
The Pan-African initiative seeks to address the region’s urgent need for sustainable management of its maritime resources and enhance livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on the South West Indian Ocean for survival.
Originating from the Swahili word for "deep," or "in the depths," "Kilindini" is a naturally deep channel formed millions of years ago when rising sea levels submerged a river from the mainland.
Kilindini Harbor faces a number of challenges including illegal fishing, declining fish stocks, environmental degradation, and maritime security.
The Kilindini Campaign seeks to reverse the trends by promoting sustainable fisheries management, enhancing coastal community involvement, and leveraging innovative technologies to safeguard the future of the Indian Ocean.
“East Africa’s blue economy has untapped potential to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, and preserve marine biodiversity,” said Tendai Mtana, spokesperson for the Kilindini Campaign.
“Through this initiative, we aim to restore balance, empower local communities, and ensure the long-term health of the ocean that sustains us all.”
Mtana said that illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) costs the Southwest Indian Ocean region over $415 million (Sh57 billion) annually and depletes fish stocks essential for the survival of local communities.
He added that IUUF also fuels other criminal activities, such as human trafficking and smuggling, exacerbating maritime security risks.
The South West Indian Ocean is a major shipping route, but it faces the threats of piracy and illegal trafficking. Other challenges are pollution and habitat loss.
The Kilindini Campaign, spearheaded by Ascending Africa, will implement quotas, seasonal fishing bans, and community-driven conservation efforts to restore fish stocks and protect the livelihoods of fishermen.
The campaign equips local communities to lead sustainable fishing and conservation efforts through education and social awareness.
It will seek to strengthen cooperation between East African nations to facilitate the creation of solutions for shared challenges along the coastline.
The campaign will also employ advanced solutions, including
satellite tracking, AI-powered fish migration models, and drones for coastal
patrols, to enhance enforcement efforts and enable smarter management of marine
resources.
