Africa's Blue Economy: A Policy Handbook

Part II - A step-by-step guide

the coordination body and sustained commitment to the process are therefore crucial and could be achieved if the following are considered: Principles for leading coordination The organ responsible for coordinating the entire process should be vested with sufficient convening authority, resources, and operational independence. The legitimacy of the body can be strengthened if it is constituted in an inclusive and representative manner. In addition, its ability andmandate to shape the process and make decisions required to move toward the successful development of the policy can be strengthened if it is established through a legislative act by government or parliament. It is particularly important to ensure that the views and perspectives of all stakeholders are considered in decision making. Functions of the Blue Economy coordinating body The formulationof theBlueEconomypolicywouldnecessitate theestablishment of an interministerial or intersectoral Blue Economy Policy Committee. The functions of the coordinating body could include, but not be limited to, the following: • Coordinating and facilitating policymaking processes • Removing the barriers that inhibit development and implementation of the policy • Providing guidance for development of the policy • Proposing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and related milestones and timeframes • Building partnerships and creating linkages at the regional and international level • Identifying and securing quick wins • Communicating achievements • Commissioning the auditing of results and making them publicly available for comments and feedback • Re-evaluating and adjusting the policy, as required • Reviewing and monitoring the policy implementation • Using social media to broaden the consultation process • Sustaining momentum

70 Africa's Blue Economy: A policy handbook