The tropical islands of Seychelles is surrounded with a vast ocean that covers 99.96% of its territory, along with its geographical position one would expect that the approach to adopt the Blue economy concept is more than welcome, in fact it is a necessity. My name is Nathalie Young , I am a 20 year old law student , following a blue economy based internship at the Seychelles Fishing authority (SFA), doing so has allowed me to explore the different aspects of that very concept. The first word that come to mind after hearing ‘The blue economy’ is fishing . However such words fail to cover the very essence of its contents. It is important to note that there is no fixed definition for the notion, nonetheless there is a broad consensus on the main objective it is aimed on accomplishing, that is, using the sea sustainably. In doing so we bring forth opportunities for development, new strategy for renewable energy by making use of wind farms, wave power amongst others, increasing food security , endorsing tourism , bringing attention to the local fishermen , trade and conservation of the marine biodiversity. The list of benefits is lengthy and so are the challenges and means to achieve it. I attended the The Ocean Festival 2016 seminar on financing sustainable fishing in the presence of the stakeholders, boat owners and organisation like the SFA placed forth different ideas on how to use the ocean sustainably. The presentations were very interesting as it allowed everyone to engage and ask questions on the impact of the different projects if exercised. There were many debates, with people expressing concerns for instance the aquaculture project (fish gardening), issues like attraction of sharks and fish escape were raised. The main objective is exercising those projects in a sustainable manner, so that the sea and its contents are not drastically affected. Conservation and restoration of marine ecosystem was also discussed. The point stressed upon by all the project presentations was the need for education on the concept itself (blue economy). I strongly believe that we all need to work together by adopting a positive view towards the Blue economy initiative. Not only is the sea a source to sustain life but it is life itself . As a young adult, I urge the fellow youth to take up the task to protect our seas for the betterment of our future and the future generations.
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AuthorThe interns of the Prosperity & Environment: Promoting sustainable development opportunities for youth in the Blue Economy sector. Archives
January 2018
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