A decade of the Blue Economy concept in the western Indian Ocean region: research and technology perspectives

Abstract

The World Bank defines the Blue Economy as “the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem”. The implementation of Blue Economy concept at global, continental, regional and country levels have had mixed results since its origin in 2012. Here, a systematic review of progress in the western Indian Ocean region is undertaken, focused on research and technology between 2012 and 2021. Apart from applications to ocean modelling, big data and satellite data, the term Blue Economy did not appear as a key term in most publications from the region, suggesting that it is not well understood or researched. Existing studies aligned with three Africa Blue Economy Strategy thematic areas: (1st) fisheries, aquaculture and ecosystem conservation; (3rd) environmental sustainability, climate change and coastal infrastructure; and (5th) policies, institutional and governance. Multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional collaborations focusing on technology are required to boost Blue Economy implementation in the Western Indian Ocean region, including for thematic areas for shipping transportation and trade (2nd) and sustainable energy, extractive minerals, gas, and innovative industries (4th).