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What is a Blue Economy?
A blue economy refers to the marine activities that generate economic value
and contribute positively to ecological, cultural, and social well-being.
A blue economy protects the health of our seas - our future.
The Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge defines a blue economy through a uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand lens.
Our approach is to place the sea, and the relationship of people with the sea, at its heart.
A transition to a blue economy will use our knowledge, unique geography, and culture to revitalise our seas, boost cultural and social well-being, and create wealth for communities.
A blue economy in Aotearoa New Zealand can:
- encourage ecologically and socially responsible investment
- stimulate ecologically and culturally appropriate technologies
- reduce and managee ecological risks
- restore marine ecosystems
- foster ecologically and culturally responsible consumer behaviour
- develop novel business models and frameworks for resource management and economic governance
- develop collective approaches to sectoral and regional economic growth
- support the development of a flourishing Māori blue economy.
Why is a blue economy important?
Aotearoa New Zealand’s exclusive economic zone is one of the largest in the world - around 15 times larger than our land area. There’s enormous potential for economic growth, but the declining health of our seas means we need to care for and manage marine environments.
When we use marine resources for economic gains, we have a responsibility to honour Tangaroa and the communities that rely upon our seas.
We can restore marine environments and make the most of our unique position and knowledge if we follow evidence-based principles for a thriving blue economy.
Six principles for a blue economy
The principles of a blue economy are based on years of local and international research. They combine aspirations for healthy oceans, economic opportunities, and society’s expectations.
For a different perspective of the principles, click here
Credit: Sara OrmeHow can I use blue economy principles in my business?
Many organisations already follow blue economy principles, and we’ve created a catalogue of initiatives and exemplars to learn from. They can guide the decisions of government, businesses, and the general public. Financiers, regulators, supply chain partners, and consumers already expect firms to adopt many of these principles.
Following these blue economy principles means:
- all New Zealanders can enjoy and generate value from marine environments
- businesses gain access to markets and finance and develop sustainable business models
- we leave marine environments in a better condition than we found them
- governments invest and steward marine resources wisely, and regulate justly and effectively
- relationships with and connections to the moana are informed by te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi opportunities.
A thriving blue economy is an aspiration
A blue economy does not happen by itself. We must transition towards it by investing, regulating, and consuming wisely. This means having a different mindset about how we value and generate value from marine resources. This shift will also require increased trust between businesses, communities, and government, as well as investment in institutions and organisations that drive the necessary transition.
Blue economy research in action
Seaweed takes centre stage
Seaweed is poised to be a powerhouse blue economy industry — in health and beauty products, food, animal feed, supplements, biostimulants, and in restoring ecosystems. With iwi, stakeholders, industry, researchers, and government agencies, the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge has created a roadmap towards a flourishing seaweed sector that embeds blue economy principles and ecosystem-based management principles at its core.
A unique, balanced Māori blue economy
Mātauranga Māori, treaty principles, and a focus on enhancing mana moana was the focus of research into Indigenous blue economy opportunities that also help restore ecosystems.
Research themes included:
- pāhekoheko (integration) – supporting Māori-led integrated planning
- auahatanga (differentiation) – kaitiaki centred products and business models
- whakatautika (balance) – creating opportunities for Māori in coastal communities.
When restoration becomes part of a blue economy
A thriving blue economy needs healthy marine ecosystems. Financing restoration activities is an important part of this shift. Our researchers and partners created an evidence-based framework to help mobilise ecosystem-level investments. These investments in restoration generate economic gains and socio-environmental benefits and balance risk, impact, and returns.
A blue economy resources and links
To deepen your knowledge of a blue economy, explore the following resources.
Explore more
Our interconnected workstreams support long-term solutions for improving the health of our seas. Explore the other two workstreams as well as how they all come together.
Ecosystem-based management
Ecosystem-based management is a holistic and inclusive way to manage marine environments and the competing uses for, demands on, and ways New Zealanders value them.
Te ao Māori
Te Ao Māori (literally ‘the Māori world’) is a phrase often used to indicate the knowledge, understandings, and practices from the Indigenous culture of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Bringing it all together
The knowledge, guidance, and tools needed to reverse degradation trends and realise a healthy ocean.
Knowledge guiding change.
© Copyright 2024 - Tohorā
© Copyright 2024 - Tohorā
Knowledge guiding change.
