Context:
The impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, loss of biodiversity and increasing environmental pollution, are endangering the future of the Pacific region and its ability to remain habitable. They are also jeopardising the economy of the island states of Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.
The people who live on the coast fish mainly to meet their own needs. There are not enough business activities, services and innovation initiatives capable of improving the economic situation without impacting negatively on the environment.
Objective:
The blue economy (i.e. the marine economy) is more environmentally sound. It boosts economic growth, creates jobs, increases incomes and conserves natural resources. It is better adapted to climate change.
Approach:
The project provides training in three areas of action:
For administrative staff – primarily technical and organisational training – to facilitate implementation of a gender-equitable and environmentally sound blue economy at national and local level and ensure its funding.
For government agencies – to enable them to collect and use data for the blue economy, such as species populations and catch sizes.
For the population – to enable them to participate in the blue economy, for example in jobs in future-oriented coastal and reef fishing, aquaculture or ecotourism. The project runs ideas competitions to support innovative business ideas and model projects.