Africa ’ s Ocean Innovation Summit 2021 Hybrid Event
Ocean Innovation Africa The Ocean Economy is a $ 9 trillion industry , making it the 9th largest economy in the world . It is responsible for 80 % of freight sent around the world , and with the oceans covering 70 % of the world ’ s surface they provide one of the largest areas and the least used renewable resources on earth . However , oceans are under massive pressure due to overexploitation , and lack of restriction , especially when it comes to Africa ’ s oceans . Ocean Innovation Africa ( OIA ) has been set up to provide solutions to these issues and opportunities .
OIA ’ s focus stems from a passion and need for efficient , impactful action because oceans are the heart and lungs of our planet . Therefore , it is crucial to support the development and adoption of new sustainable ocean solutions that will shape better interactions between people and the Earth ’ s largest ecosystem . In recovering from the recent Covid-19- related crisis , oceans also have a crucial role to play in keeping trade moving between nations and providing sustainable energy and healthy food for all .
Innovations led by science , technology and entrepreneurship will provide the necessary leverage points to address the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDG ’ s ), at the right pace and scale . The Ocean Innovation Africa business event brings stakeholders together to address issues of sustainable Oceans economy and Oceans conservation in a bid to find solutions linking up to almost all SDGs in addition to SDG14 – Life Below Water .
The sector Ocean Innovation Africa operates in Ocean Innovation Africa falls under the blue economy , which advocates for the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth , improved livelihoods , and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem . The blue economy covers all economic activities related to oceans , seas and coasts and covers a wide range of interlinked established and emerging sectors .
Ocean Innovation Africa is a platform that showcases African initiatives and brings together international entrepreneurs , investors , scientists , businesses , and leaders working towards creating a positive impact on our Oceans .
Ocean Innovation Africa Business Event OceanHub Africa , a Cape Town-based accelerator of African ocean-impact start-ups , and Catalyse Events , a company with specific expertise in business events in Africa and overseas promotion of African businesses .
Date : 5 – 7 November 2021 Venue : Victoria and Alfred Waterfront , Cape Town & Virtual Platform
Challenges in a Covid-19 environment Ocean Innovation Africa was run as a Hybrid event that hosted in-person attendance with virtual options to allow international delegates with travel restrictions to attend .
The implementation of a hybrid event incorporating in-person attendance did not come without its challenges . This was due to the different elements ( physical and virtual ) that needed to work simultaneously and seamlessly .
It was also a challenge to convince speakers , attendees , and partners to use the virtual aspect of the event .
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