Blue Economy: Sharing Success Stories to Inspire Change

Sharing Success Stories to Inspire Change Blue Economy

private organizations and NGOs from all sectors involved. Horizontal integration across sectors is as important as vertical integration across the various scales of policy and decision making. Coordination and collaboration of Blue Economy projects and initiatives requires broad and resilient partnerships. In the cases cited in this document, these were often brought together by a facilitating body which helps a diverse group of stakeholders elicit ideas, work together towards shared visions and objectives, and identify pathways to incentivise achievement. The success of these cases over time underscores the importance of a strong knowledge base, as well as regulation and policy that supports the transition to a Blue Economy. This supports implementation and coordination, as well as provides a useful starting point for agreement among partners. The Blue Economy arguably makes its strongest gains when leveraging existing institutional relationships to address strategic gaps that affectmultiple sectors and players, and which catalyse visible benefits for them in the long term. Ecosystem-based management, marine spatial planning and the establishment of marine protected areas are all well-established elements that can be part

of the transitional process. A shift to a Blue Economy requires dedicated short-term efforts which can seize existing opportunities to bring together stakeholders. Crucial to Blue Economy developments is the building of inclusive processes and demonstrable results for those who may be strongly affected by measures, but who have limited means to engage in participatory processes. The importance of objective, conscientious identification of marginalized groups, complimented with technical analysis and advisement can lead to a strong foundation for building more sustainable futures in marine environments. Several of the case studies documented positive shifts in perception related to the ‘worth’ of up-front investment, especially whentheseresultedinlonger-term,quantified and visible payoffs. This often involves addressing the concerns of the stakeholders by providing clear information on the up-front costs and unintended consequences, as well potential spin-off benefits and opportunities. Knowledge sharing – particularly, lessons learned and evidence of success – may assist individuals, groups, regions and countries to make the necessary short-term investments needed to transition to a Blue Economy in the longer term.

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