By Iddi Yire
Accra, Aug 30, GNA – The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has initiated moves to develop a Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP) for the country.
A SOP aims to guide public and private sector decision-makers on how to sustainably manage a nation’s ocean area under national jurisdiction to advance long-term economic and social development.
As a Member of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Ghana has committed to sustainably manage 100 per cent of the ocean area under its national jurisdiction by 2025.
Dr Winfred Nelson, Acting Director-General, NDPC, said the Commission was developing a SOP as part of efforts to help implement the Ocean Panel’s transformation agenda.
He made this known at a day’s workshop,
organised by the NDPC in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advisory Unit in the Office of the President, for journalists on Ghana’s SOP process in Accra.
The workshop provided participants with an overview to SOPs, discussed Ghana’s SOP work plan and explored potential avenues for the active participation of media houses in the SOP process.
Dr Nelson said the workshop sought to advance the SOP – a critical initiative aimed at securing the future of Ghana’s marine and coastal resources.
“This journey has been characterized by unwavering commitment, and a shared vision for a sustainable blue economy that ensures the well-being of our environment and the prosperity of our people for generations to come,” he stated.
Dr Nelson reiterated that the significance of the SOP could not be overstated.
“Our oceans are a cornerstone of life, offering sustenance, livelihoods, and immense potential for countless Ghanaians,” he said.
“Yet, they are increasingly under threat from climate change pollution overexploitation, and habitat degradation.”
He said the SOP was being crafted in response to these challenges, providing a comprehensive, inclusive, and actionable framework for the sustainable stewardship of the nation’s marine and coastal ecosystems.
He said the meeting was a reflection of the collective effort that had shaped the SOP process thus far; stating that civil society organisations play a vital role in this effort.
Dr Nelson said the SOP Committee was at the workshop not only to share updates but also to listen, engage and ensure that the diverse perspectives of all stakeholders were fully integrated into the final plan.
“This SOP is not merely a document; it is a pledge—a pledge to uphold the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14, which emphasizes the importance of conserving and sustainably using our oceans, seas, and marine resources,” the Acting Director-General said.
Dr Felix Addo-Yobo, Deputy Director and Advisor, SDGs Advisory Unit, Office of the President and SOP Focal Person, said a Sustainable Blue Economy provided benefits for current and future generations by contributing to food security, poverty eradication, livelihoods, income, employment, health and safety, equity and political stability.
Dr Ebenezer Appah-Sampong, Sustainable Ocean Planning (SOP) Coordinator, said SOP would create awareness and build capability for sustainable management of the nation’s ocean resources.
GNA