The ‘blue economy’ is an emerging concept that encourages sustainable exploitation, innovation and stewardship of our ocean and its life-giving ‘blue’ resources.

In the old ‘business-as-usual’ model, nations develop their ocean economies through the exploitation of maritime and marine resources – for example, through shipping, commercial fishing, and oil, gas, and mineral development.  Often, they don’t pay adequate attention to the effect of these activities on the future health or productivity of the same resources and the ocean ecosystems in which they exist. The ‘blue economy’ concept provides a more holistic vision that embraces economic growth – when it is sustainable and does not damage other sectors. Similar to the ‘green economy’, the blue economy brings human well-being, social equity and environmental sustainability into harmony.

The blue economy embraces economic opportunities.  But it also protects and develops more intangible ‘blue’ resources such as traditional ways of life, carbon sequestration and coastal resilience in order to help vulnerable states mitigate the devastating effects of poverty and climate change.

 

US$2 trillion per year
The worldwide ocean economy is valued at around US$1.5 trillion per year

 

The worldwide ocean economy is valued at around $1.5 trillion per year, making it the seventh largest economy in the world. It is set to double by 2030 to $3 trillion. The total value of ocean assets (natural capital) has been estimated at $24 trillion.

Small island states, relative to their land mass, have vast ocean resources at their disposal – presenting a huge opportunity to boost their economic growth and tackle unemployment, food insecurity and poverty. Yet they also have the most to lose from the degradation of marine resources.

80% of global trade by volume is carried by sea.

Trade

350 million jobs worldwide are linked to fisheries.

Fisheries

34% of crude oil production will come from offshore fields by 2025.

Oil

50% of fish for human consumption is provided by aquaculture.

Fish

Antigua and Barbuda and Kenya are championing an Action Group on developing an integrated approach to the Blue Economy, pushing for the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and ocean ecosystem health.

This Action Group encourages better stewardship of ‘blue’ resources through actions such as:

  • collaboration between Commonwealth countries to exchange successful strategies, information, knowledge and best practices;
  • facilitating the deployment of new technologies and innovations to create and drive environmentally-compatible industries;
  • developing the economic empowerment and resilience of communities living around oceans, seas, lakes and rivers; and
  • building economic instruments to leverage environmental protection, such as blue carbon, blue bonds and coastal resilience insurance.