LUSAKA, May 9 -- Zambia unveiled its national blue economy strategy and action plan on Thursday, aiming to harness aquatic resources for the country's development.

Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Mike Mposha said that the strategy, spanning from 2024 to 2030, aims to unlock and accelerate Zambia's blue economy growth, create jobs and alleviate poverty.

"The concept of the blue economy recognizes that our oceans, lakes and waterways are not just sources of economic wealth but also vital ecosystems supporting life on our planet," Mposha said during the launch.

The strategy aligns with the African Union's blueprint for Africa's blue economy, aiming to guide sustainable development and utilization of aquatic resources for inclusive economic growth, he said.

The strategy, to be implemented over seven years, integrates strategic objectives, measures, targets, activities, and indicators. It also includes transboundary rivers, lakes and aquifers, recognizing their role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people along river basins, Mposha said.

  - Xinhua