Blue Economy
Left: © UNESCO / Jacob Bock
(North-east Tobago UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Stock Footage Database)
Right: © Jacob Bock
What is Blue Economy?
The sustainable use of ocean resources
for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems.
High Level Goal
The Blue Economy in the North-east Tobago UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve consists of diverse and innovative marine business activities that manifest the Biosphere Reserve’s full economic potential, equitably support sustainable livelihoods, create opportunities for residents, and regenerate ecosystems and biodiversity.
Current Situation
Our blue economy is mainly based on the fisheries sector on which all our communities depend, and which is the strongest economic contributor. All forms of tourism in North-east Tobago are also partly or fully involved in the blue economy and the maritime oil and gas industry plays a significant role for the entire country.
Priority Needs
-
Stakeholders understand the concept of Blue Economy and its importance for North-east Tobago;
-
establishing an integrated approach to blue economic development;
-
applicable research regarding potential blue economic activities is intelligibly and freely available;
-
stakeholders have the capacity to engage in blue economic activities;
-
a business environment that is facilitating innovation, collaboration, investment, and development of blue economic activities;
-
natural resources are regenerated and sustainably available; and
-
an economic and environmental monitoring programme that is communicated to stakeholders.
What are our strategies?
-
Identifying the most applicable, lucrative as well as socially and environmentally beneficial blue economic opportunities for the North-east Tobago Man and the Biosphere Reserve.
-
Creating the facilitating business environment for the identified options.
-
Enabling local and attracting international investment.
Further Information: