Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp has hailed the work of the trinational Benguela Current Convention (BCC). He was addressing the seventh Ministerial Conference of the BCC, which unites Angola, Namibia and South Africa, in Luanda, Angola, on Wednesday.

He highlighted that the BCC was the world’s first legal framework that was based on a larger marine ecosystem approach to ocean governance. It was an example to the world, and a reminder to Africa, of the powerhouse the continent could be if it worked collaboratively to protect and make use of its natural resources, creating opportunities for growth and development.

“Through this Ministerial Conference, it is South Africa’s hope that this important, structured mechanism can continue for the pursuit of our shared commitment toward strengthening regional policies and management frameworks to realise transboundary benefits and mainstream the transboundary priorities within out national policy frameworks for better management of the Benguela Large Marine Ecosystem,” he affirmed. “We believe that through strengthened coordination, transparent decision-making, and the revitalisation of our institutional processes, the Convention will continue to deliver meaningful impact for the region.”

From the beginning, the BCC recognised the importance of scientific research, by means of cooperation through joint programmes and the sharing of resources. Also important was the creation of regional capacity, including the strengthening of activities to counter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and the preparedness to respond to and deal with oil spills. Again, recognised from the start was the need to develop mechanisms whereby the responsible exploitation of the region’s marine resources could be used to provide long-term support for the BCC. Further, from the beginning, the BCC realised the need to promote the inclusion of women and youth in the oceans sector.

“South Africa reaffirms these commitments, in that, we strongly support deepened scientific cooperation, including structured research vessel-sharing arrangements and coordinated ecosystem monitoring. Science must remain the foundation of our transboundary co-management,” he stressed. “We emphasise the urgency of securing sustainable financing for the Convention. Reduced dependence on external funding will enhance institutional stability, ownership, and long-term resilience. Practical, equitable and transparent self-funding mechanisms must now move from concept to implementation.”

He also emphasised the need to strengthen trinational cooperation to monitor and control fishing, and to coordinate enforcement actions against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Protecting their fisheries ensured food security and protected jobs and supported economic growth.

“As offshore and seabed activities expand, our decisions must remain guided by rigorous science and the precautionary principle,” he stated. “Economic opportunity must not compromise ecosystem integrity.”