DODOMA: TANZANIA has joined other member states in commemorating the 29th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening cooperation in the sustainable utilisation of Indian Ocean resources.
The regional bloc was established on March 7, 1997, to promote economic cooperation among countries bordering the Indian Ocean.
Currently, the organisation brings together 23 member states and 12 dialogue partners, providing an important platform for cooperation in areas such as maritime safety and security, blue economy development, trade and investment, fisheries management, tourism, disaster management, women’s economic empowerment, as well as science and technology.
To commemorate the anniversary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation organised activities in Dodoma yesterday including a jogging event and tree planting exercise aimed at promoting environmental conservation and community wellbeing.
The activities were held under this year’s theme, “IORA Improves Lives.”
Speaking at the event, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Ambassador Baraka Luvanda, said Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Ambassador Baraka Luvanda, said for more than two decades the organisation has played an important role in promoting development among member states through sustainable use of ocean resources.
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He noted that Tanzania, as one of the 15 founding member states, recognises the Indian Ocean as a key driver of economic and social development.
Ambassador Luvanda said the government continues to strengthen the blue economy by improving enabling infrastructure such as ports, promoting research and innovation and enhancing collaboration with regional and international partners.
“These efforts aim to ensure that Indian Ocean resources are protected and utilised sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.
He added that regional cooperation under IORA has contributed to progress in trade, marine resource management, maritime transport safety and blue economy development, while also strengthening joint efforts to address challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation.
Ambassador Luvanda urged Tanzanians to support environmental conservation initiatives and regional cooperation to ensure natural resources remain a source of prosperity, peace and sustainable development.
