Equally noteworthy is the creation at the University of Lomé of the Institute of maritime trades, which will train students to carry out various occupations and strengthen the capacities of workers. The goal is to supply the maritime sector with a competent national workforce capable of contributing to its development. We hope to see all these future prospects realized and achieve both short and long-term results in order to turn the blue economy into a driving force for Togo’s development.
Blue Innovation. On the 7th of September 2017, the Togolese authorities announced the creation of a ‘blue fund’ whose aim will be to promote the country’s maritime resources. Could you explain what main lines this fund will follow?
Robert Dussey. Togo has indeed begun to create a ‘blue fund’ in order to build upon the country’s maritime resources. Its aim will be to devote sufficient financial resources to promoting a blue economy and support important investments in our country. The fund will notably finance the preservation and fishing of the sea and inland waters; the conservation, management and sustainable usage of stocks of fish and other marine resources; the promotion of coastal and maritime tourism; and the development of human resources through training and job creation. The ‘blue fund’ could be established on the basis of the Environmental Fund, the Fund for the Integrated Management of Aquatic Resources and taxes on port activities. We naturally also rely upon international financing from our partners, notably the Green Climate Fund, as well as donations and grants provided by organizations for the protection of the environment and nature. As a reminder, this fund was foreseen by chapter 4 of the Lomé Charter. Togo has only begun to establish the institutions the Charter calls for while it waits for the latter to enter into force—something that the Togolese government is very keen to happen.
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