UNEP’s Regional Seas Programme drives the sustainable development of the Blue Economy by balancing economic growth with the protection of marine ecosystems. By supporting countries in harnessing ocean resources for livelihoods, job creation, and ecosystem health, the Programme fosters long- term economic resilience and environmental sustainability, ensuring a prosperous future for both people and the planet.
Introduction
The ocean is a vital source of economic growth, food, energy, and transportation. The "Blue Economy" refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic development, while preserving the health of marine ecosystems. Globally, the ocean economy is valued at an estimated $2.5 trillion, supporting over three billion people with jobs, food security, and economic opportunities. UNEP’s Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans (RSCAPs) focus on promoting a balanced approach to the Blue Economy, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of ocean health.
Why It Matters
Sustainable ocean economies are essential for addressing global challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, and climate change. By promoting a Blue Economy, the RSCAPs help countries unlock the economic potential of oceans, while ensuring that marine ecosystems are protected and restored. Without a sustainable approach, overexploitation and pollution could threaten the very ecosystems that support fisheries, tourism, and coastal industries.
What We Do
UNEP’s Regional Seas Programme plays a critical role in shaping the Blue Economy by supporting member states with policies, strategies and frameworks for sustainable ocean management; Encouraging regional partnerships and programmes in protecting the marine environment and funding and capacity building initiatives to support Contracting Parties improve their management of marine resources, including training on sustainable fisheries, marine spatial planning, and ecosystem-based management. They also promote marine spatial planning (MSP) to balance economic activities (e.g., fishing, shipping, and tourism) with conservation. Sustainable fisheries initiatives help improve fish stock management and combat illegal fishing.
Selected examples to exemplify the Regional Seas work with regards to ocean governance
- Nairobi Convention (Western Indian Ocean): Promotes Ocean governance and Blue Economy initiatives through marine spatial planning and ecosystem-based approaches, integrating Blue Economy principles into national development plans.
- Permanent Commission of South Pacific Regional Review: Ocean Health for Ocean Wealth – Seascape Mapping of Sustainable Blue Economy in Pacific SIDS – provides an overview of the current status, trends, potential and prospects for SBE across the Pacific Islands Region.
- Barcelona Convention (Mediterranean): Drives the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development, linking environmental protection with socio-economic growth. The Mediterranean Blue Economy Stakeholder Platform fosters collaboration on blue economy activities, including sustainable tourism, fisheries, and energy.
- Cartagena Convention (Wider Caribbean): Supports the development of a Caribbean Sustainable Ocean-Based Economy Strategy, helping countries build resilience while benefiting from marine resources.
- SPREP – The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) provides the overall political and policy level coordination role for ocean affairs across the region, with the PIF Leaders Meetings making joint determinations and decisions on regional oceans issues.
- SPREP (Pacific): Coordinates the development of the "2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent," which outlines a long-term vision for ocean-based economic growth while maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
- COBSEA Secretariat (East Asian Seas): Integrates Sustainable Blue Economy as an overarching theme of COBSEA Marine and Coastal Ecosystems (MCE) Framework, ncluding MPAs, MCSP, and OECMs. For example, strengthening Green Fins project to mainstream sustainable marine ecotourism and coral reef MPAs.
For full access to what the RSCAPs are doing on ocean governance, please click here
Science, Policy, and Partnerships
UNEP advances science-based decision-making in Blue Economy strategies, providing tools and frameworks for managing marine industries in a sustainable manner. By promoting cross-sectoral cooperation, the Programme enables countries to balance economic development with marine conservation, ensuring sustainable fisheries, tourism, and energy production.
Multilateral Environmental Agreements and Conventions
The Regional Seas Programme aligns its Blue Economy initiatives with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 14 on Life Below Water), the Paris Agreement, and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). These agreements guide regional efforts to ensure that ocean-based economic activities are carried out sustainably, balancing economic growth with the protection of marine biodiversity.
