Posted: August 14th, 2022

Best Practices for Integrating the Principles of Blue Economy into National Ocean Policies

Best Practices for Integrating the Principles of Blue Economy into National Ocean Policies

The blue economy is a concept that promotes the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. The blue economy encompasses various sectors, such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, renewable energy, maritime transport, and biotechnology. According to the World Bank, the blue economy has the potential to generate $2.5 trillion in annual gross value added by 2030 (World Bank 2017).

However, to realize this potential, countries need to adopt effective national ocean policies that integrate the principles of the blue economy. These principles include:

– Balancing conservation and development: Ocean policies should ensure that the exploitation of ocean resources does not compromise the health and resilience of marine ecosystems and biodiversity. This requires applying the precautionary and ecosystem-based approaches, establishing marine protected areas, and implementing measures to prevent and reduce pollution, overfishing, and habitat degradation.

– Enhancing cooperation and coordination: Ocean policies should foster collaboration and coordination among different stakeholders, sectors, and levels of governance, both within and across national boundaries. This requires establishing clear institutional frameworks, mechanisms, and platforms for dialogue, information sharing, and joint action.

– Promoting innovation and diversification: Ocean policies should encourage innovation and diversification of ocean-based activities, products, and services, as well as the development of new markets and value chains. This requires investing in research and development, capacity building, technology transfer, and infrastructure.

– Ensuring inclusiveness and equity: Ocean policies should ensure that the benefits of the blue economy are equitably distributed among all segments of society, especially the poor, women, youth, and indigenous peoples. This requires enhancing access to opportunities, resources, and services; strengthening social protection; and empowering local communities.

– Aligning with international standards and commitments: Ocean policies should align with relevant international standards and commitments, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This requires harmonizing national laws and regulations with international norms and obligations; participating in regional and global cooperation initiatives; and contributing to the development and implementation of ocean governance frameworks.

Some examples of best practices for integrating the principles of the blue economy into national ocean policies are:

– The Seychelles’ Blue Economy Strategic Framework and Roadmap (2018), which outlines a vision, goals, objectives, strategies, and actions for developing a blue economy that is inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and prosperous.

– The European Union’s Blue Growth Strategy (2012), which identifies five priority areas for fostering sustainable growth from the marine and maritime sectors: blue energy, aquaculture, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology, and seabed mining.

– The Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP), which supports 14 Pacific island countries in strengthening their capacities for ocean governance, fisheries management, coastal fisheries development, marine spatial planning, and climate change adaptation.

References:

World Bank. 2017. The Potential of the Blue Economy: Increasing Long-term Benefits of the Sustainable Use of Marine Resources thesis writing help for Small Island Developing States and Coastal Least Developed Countries. Washington DC: World Bank.

Seychelles. 2018. Seychelles’ Blue Economy Strategic Framework And Roadmap: Charting The Future (2018-2030). Victoria: Government of Seychelles.

European Commission. 2012. Blue Growth Opportunities for Marine And Maritime Sustainable Growth. Brussels: European Commission.

World Bank. 2016. Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP): Project Appraisal Document. Washington DC: World Bank.

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