Essam Yassin Mohammed: We must harness momentum on the blue economy
Channel: IIED
Date: 2019-03-25

Essam Yassin Mohammed, head of blue economy at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), sets out why it's vital to seize the current momentum to achieve a fair and sustainable blue economy.

He says: "There is a huge momentum and positive energy at a global level to promote blue economy. Just to name a few examples we have the SDG14 dedicated for oceans and seas, but also the Decade for Ocean Science and the political process to fill the governance gap of the high seas and so on. This needs to be celebrated.

"But also we need to harness this opportunity to work together to identify some practical solutions to promote an inclusive and sustainable economy, that benefits all - particularly those furthest behind. 

"And since we live in a period of high uncertainty, we really look forward to working with you all to make sure our approach and policies, with respect to the blue economy, are future-proofed... in such a way that we can effectively respond to future economic and climatic shocks, particularly that affect the most vulnerable sections of our societies – and help them realise their employment and income potentials."

More information: https://www.iied.org/moving-towards-inclusive-blue-economy