Meetings Side Events
The Blue Economy generally refers to those economic activities that directly or indirectly take place in the ocean and coastal areas, use outputs from the ocean. It recognises “goods and services” from the ocean and costs, and their contribution to economic growth, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing. To be successful, a Blue Economy need to be based on healthy, resilient and productive marine environments.
In that regard, coral reefs have a direct impact on the Blue Economy: for instance, worldwide, approximately 850 million people live within 100 km of reefs, many of whom are likely to derive some benefits from the ecosystem services they provide. At least 94 countries and territories benefit from reef tourism; in 23 of these, reef tourism accounts for more than 15 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). More than 150,000 km of shoreline in 100 countries and territories receive some protection from reefs, which reduce wave energy and associated erosion and storm damage. During this event several “coral reef” initiatives/project contributing the blue economy will be presented.
Moderator: Carl Gustaf Lundin: Director, IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme
- Opening, Xavier Sticker, French Ambassador for the Environment, and co-chair of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI)
- The socio-economic value of the French Coral Reefs, Sophie-Dorothée Duron, French Ministry of Environment
- “Blue Finance – working with the private sector to conserve the planet’s marine ecosystems (PPT)”, Christian Neumann, GRID Arendal, Leader – Ecosystems, Economies and Sustainable Development Programme
- “Green Fins – supporting businesses and governments pursue blue economy development based on dive tourism (PPT)”, Jerker Tamelander, Head, Coral Reef Unit, United Nations Environment Programme
- Coral reefs in the Northern Mozambique Channel – the Indian Ocean’s core region for diversity and resilience, and a foundation for sustainable economic development, David Obura
- “From fisheries management to reef conservation: experiences from the western Indian Ocean islands (PPT)”, Charlie Gough, Monitoring & Evaluation Manager, Blue Ventures
- Discussion moderated by Jerker Tamelander and David Obura