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Gambia in a bid to take over full control of its sea resources
Tuesday, 21 September 2010 23:31
Norway is spearheading an effort that is geared towards given African countries controlled
jurisdiction over their oil and gas resources.A representative from Gambia will be among representatives from five other African countries who are set to sign an agreement with Norway’s Minister of the Environment and International Development, today in New York.
World leaders are presently gathered at the United Nations where discussions are underway as part of effort to accelerate support towards achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals. Those discussions will precede the UN General Assembly scheduled to commence Wednesday.
“We are seeking to ensure that countries in Africa have control over the resources in their own sea areas. This is an important contribution to the fight against poverty. We are delighted that these countries will now have better opportunities for development,” the Norwegian Environment and International Development Minister, Erik Solheim, said prior to the signing ceremony.
According to a Norwegian government statement, the European country will provide assistance to Gambia, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Mauritania and Senegal “in connection with the establishment of these countries’ continental shelves.”
“Establishing the limits of the continental shelf is crucial as this determines who can exploit resources such as oil and gas,” the statement said. It added that the countries mentioned have in turn committed themselves to cooperating with one another.
The statement said that it is the outer limit of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles that is to be established.
“Agreement on the outer limit of the continental shelf will also increase the likelihood of cooperation between these countries in a vulnerable region that has been affected by war and terrible suffering,” said Mr Solheim.
The Norwegians say their experience under an international law of the sea, established after the Second World War has been an important factor for the development of their wealth and welfare state. And this, they say, could be of significant value to African countries as they are in better position to help them (Africans) to establish control of their own oil and gas resources.”
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