As world leaders converge on Nice, France, for the third United Nations Ocean Conference, Hon. Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), has called for urgent action to develop a comprehensive global strategy to safeguard fragile marine ecosystems and resources.
Hon. Amgbare expressed deep concern about the fragile marine ecosystems in the Niger Delta Basin area, comprising Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States.
He emphasized the need for collective action to protect the world’s oceans, citing the catastrophic and irreversible consequences of climate change, plastic pollution, ecosystem loss, and marine resource overuse.
The NDBDA boss highlighted the potential of the Blue Economy, citing the example of Nice, France, where tourism, maritime transport, fisheries, and innovative sectors like marine renewable energy have driven economic growth and societal benefits.
Hon. Amgbare further called for the Strengthening international legal frameworks, such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Marine Pollution (MARPOL) treaty
– Regulating riverine pollution to curb the flow of plastic waste into the seas and other water bodies
– Achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly responsible consumption and production
– Collaboration among governments, industries, and civil society to address marine pollution
The NDBDA plans to introduce ocean literacy programs in its catchment states, highlighting the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable management.
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According to Priye Keyeramo, Head of Corporate Affairs at NDBDA, the Authority is collaborating with Ms. Rita Solari Inko-Tariah, a UNESCO-IOC Ocean Ambassador and Nigeria’s representative for Ocean Literacy, to combat plastic pollution and promote ocean conservation.
The NDBDA Waterways Sanitation Corps initiative supports global sustainability goals by addressing plastic pollution, promoting climate action, and conserving marine life, contributing to achieving SDG 6, SDG 13, and SDG 14.