By MKT Correspondent
The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is currently hosting the third Technical and Steering Committee Meeting for the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the African Blue Economy project, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
This vital project aims to enhance marine biodiversity protection and promote responsible resource use across Africa.
Representatives from the Swedish Embassy, the FAO Regional Office for Africa, and various AU member states are in attendance.
Zintle Lushaba, Director of Mabuyi Development Planners, highlighted the crucial link between conserving aquatic biodiversity and achieving gender equality, addressing long-standing disparities in the region.
The project has made notable progress in uplifting women through gender analysis, skills development, and legislative reviews. Lushaba also emphasized the need for infrastructure development and increased youth engagement in this important sector.