Oceans to Economy: Here's the List of Countries with Blue Economy Strategies

November 13, 2024 | 12:40 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The ocean provides a plethora of resources that can be utilized to drive economic growth. However, decision-makers must adopt a more sustainable approach to ensure the long-term availability of these resources. This is the fundamental premise of the Blue Economy.

The World Bank defines the blue economy as the "sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem." The term was initially coined by Gunter Pauli in the early 21st century, as cited from the official website of Universitas Gadjah Mada.

With the potential to mitigate poverty, several countries have initiated the implementation of the blue economy and established bilateral cooperation within this field. The most recent is Indonesia and China, which both have agreed to deepen their blue economy cooperation. 

Citing The Borgen Project and other sources, here’s a look at the list of countries with blue economy strategies, featuring China, Vietnam, and other countries.

1. China

As the largest producer of seafood from aquaculture, China has long been a prominent player in the field of blue economy. The East Asia country, according to the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, started to enforce a more sustainable approach under its marine ecological civilization plan in 2015.

One of its significant examples of China’s small-scale blue economy initiative includes the restoration of seagrass beds in Chudao. The Borgen Project revealed that this measure was to support sea cucumber aquaculture.

2. Vietnam

Vietnam is a relatively new player in the blue economy. Vo Tri Thanh in “Development of the Blue Economy in Viet Nam” mentioned that Vietnam’s aspiration to become a modern high-income country by 2045 serves as one of the main drivers of its blue economy adoption.

On a local scale, the blue economy is reflected in the Binh Thuan Fisheries Association’s efforts in establishing sustainable fishing practices. This program has contributed to the restoration of the clam fishery.

Vo Tri Thanh further noted that the blue economy has slowly resulted in progress in sectors like fisheries, as well as oil and gas extraction. 

3. India

India’s blue economy approach regulates the entire system of ocean resources and man-made economic infrastructure in marine, maritime, and onshore coastal zones within India’s legal jurisdiction, as quoted from India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences.

This strategy has led India to embark upon an investigation of the potential resources present in its deep-sea zone.

4. Kenya

Kenya has adopted the blue economy in its development program, “Vision 2030." This initiative covers the development of its overlooked offshore tuna fishery, seaweed farming, tourism, and more.

5. Samoa

Samoa has engaged in the blue economy through its Samoa Ocean Strategy, or SOS. As mentioned on its official website, the SOS serves as the country’s national policy framework for the more sustainable management of its marine resources.

Furthermore, the strategy emphasizes Samoa’s commitment to 30 percent protection and full management of its ocean by 2030.

6. Trinidad and Tobago

Given the vast exclusive economic zone, it is essential for Caribbean countries like Trinidad and Tobago to implement ocean-based initiatives to fully optimize the potential of their marine ecosystems.

When it comes to Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s current blue economy heavily relies on the oil and gas sector. Nevertheless, it has initiated to further develop its tourism and fishery sectors, especially on the island of Tobago.

7. Portugal

Portugal received funds from the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture to implement sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. For your information, the country has been engaged in the development of its blue economy since 2015.

According to the official website of the European Union, the blue economy has contributed by 1.8 percent to the national GVA and by 3.2 percent to national employment.

8. Costa Rica

Similar to Portugal, Costa Roca received funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to develop its blue economy. The country has also been involved in UNCTAD’s project, the Oceans Economy and Trade Strategies, which aims to support developing countries in utilizing their marine resources.

9. Gambia

Gambia’s blue economy is reflected in its ten-year plan adoption on the mangrove oyster sector. The plan is implemented to support sustainable growth and female employment in the sector.

10. Tunisia

Blessed with immense coastal and marine resources, Tunisia partnered with the World Bank in 2020 to identify opportunities for the development of its blue economy. This partnership helped Tunisia establish the foundations of its national strategy for the blue economy, as quoted from the World Bank.

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