By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE:King Mswati has called for the preservation of rivers and oceans to enhance the global blue economy and promote sustainable food security.

Speaking during the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice-France, the King who was represented by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini tapping into the global blue economy will enhance food security.

The "blue economy” in this context, refers to all economic activities related to the ocean, seas, and coastal areas.

It encompasses a wide range of sectors, from traditional ones like fishing and tourism to emerging industries like offshore renewable energy and marine biotechnology

“His Majesty King Mswati III has, from time to time, reiterated to emaSwati that in order to exponentially grow the economy and deal decisively with the threat of food insecurity in the Kingdom of Eswatini, we need to use our own rivers and dams to tap into the global blue economy. And to do that, we need our oceans healthy.As numerous speakers, including our gracious host, President Macron, have spoken before, there has been a lot said about our subject matter today, but with little action. Action is now needed. Strategies should not only look to reverse current damage but to prevent any future harm. Development that disregards the environment is shortsighted and costly”, said the King as quoted by Government online platforms.

The King said, prioritising economic gains over ecological integrity causes damage-polluted rivers and degraded ecosystems-that requires greater resources to repair than to prevent.

“Eswatini’s committed to protecting the oceans is embedded in a holistic policy framework.Our focus is on eliminating pollutants before they reach our rivers-ensuring that what eventually flows to the sea does so without harm. This includes scaling up organic and regenerative farming, improving soil and water management, and significantly reducing the use of hazardous chemicals in agriculture,” he said.