The paper reviewed and analyzed the importance and principles of blue economy. The paper identified the challenges of blue economy and possible solutions.
The ability to maintain the marine environment to provide jobs and nutrition on long term is being threatened by human economic activities and development approaches. The blue economy was initiated to provide services and values that are beneficial to local communities, coastal states and the world at large. Blue economy is an integration of sustainable development and growth which involves every aspect of national and global governance, economic development, environmental protection and sustainability.
The basis of blue economy is to achieve long term prosperity by a country befitting the wellbeing of all citizens and mankind preserving the environment, especially the oceans. The earth surface is covered by water and as such the fact that the oceans and seas matter for sustainable development is an undeniable fact. This paper is aimed at analyzing the concept of blue economy as an instrument for protecting marine environment and ensuring sustainable development.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
IMPORTANCE OF BLUE ECONOMY
LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK OF BLUE ECONOMY
BLUE ECONOMY AS A STRUCTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
PRINCIPLES OF A SUSTIANABLE BLUE ECONOMY
BLUE ECONOMY V. GREEN ECONOMY
EU’S PLAN OF BLUE GROWTH STRATEGY AND BLUE INNOVATION
ATTRIBUTES OF BLUE ECONOMY
KEY DRIVERS OF BLUE ECONOMY
FUTURE TREND OF BLUE ECONOMY
BLUE ECONOMY IN NIGERIA
THE EFFECT OF OIL AND GAS ON NIGERIA’S BLUE ECONOMY
CHALLENGES OF BLUE ECONOMY
CONCLUSION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Research Objectives and Themes
This research aims to analyze the concept of the Blue Economy as a viable instrument for protecting the marine environment and ensuring sustainable development, specifically focusing on the implementation challenges and opportunities within the Nigerian context.
- Theoretical examination of the Blue Economy concept and its core principles.
- Comparative analysis between Blue Economy and Green Economy models.
- Evaluation of legal and institutional frameworks governing marine resources.
- Identification of economic, social, and technological challenges to Blue Economy implementation in Nigeria.
- Development of strategic recommendations for sustainable ocean resource management.
Extract from the Book
BLUE ECONOMY IN NIGERIA
The essence of Blue Economy in Nigeria is yet to be fully realized due to the following at the political level there is inefficient management of waterways in the county due to lack of control by coastal states of their natural water resources and coastlines. The lack of broad political consensus on the nature of Nigeria’s fiscal federalism has deep economic implications including making the Blue Economy a fragile concept41.
Nigeria which forms part of the Gulf of Guinea has a coastline of about 420 nautical miles and an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 200 nautical miles which translates to a maritime area of 84,000 square nautical miles. Approximately, Nigeria’s maritime space (290 square kilometres) is about one third of our land area (924 square kilometres).42
The problem over who control inland waterways revenue has been along drawn battle since the early 2000’s and shows innate conflict between the state and federal governments over resources control.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Provides a historical overview of the Blue Economy concept, originating from the 2012 Rio+20 conference, and outlines its significance for global sustainable development.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH: Defines the research scope, which focuses on identifying the Blue Economy concept, its benefits for Nigeria, and potential solutions to existing implementation barriers.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Explains the use of a doctrinal, library-based research approach utilizing primary legal sources, statutes, and secondary academic literature.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: Offers a formal definition of the Blue Economy as a marine-based model aimed at economic growth through sustainable, clean, and resilient technological practices.
IMPORTANCE OF BLUE ECONOMY: Discusses the three pillars of sustainability—economic, environmental, and social—and the role of global initiatives like the World Bank's PROBLUE.
LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK OF BLUE ECONOMY: Analyzes the role of UNCLOS in ocean governance and discusses the legislative gaps currently hindering a unified maritime policy in Nigeria.
BLUE ECONOMY AS A STRUCTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: Details the World Bank’s four key pillars for sustainable growth: governance, technology, market access, and finance.
PRINCIPLES OF A SUSTIANABLE BLUE ECONOMY: Outlines the core operational standards, emphasizing inclusivity, transparency, and the need for a long-term, cross-sectoral management approach.
BLUE ECONOMY V. GREEN ECONOMY: Compares the two models, clarifying their distinct focuses on marine versus terrestrial ecosystems while highlighting their shared ultimate goal of improved human well-being.
EU’S PLAN OF BLUE GROWTH STRATEGY AND BLUE INNOVATION: Examines the European Union's strategy as a benchmark for maritime policy, focusing on five key growth areas including biotechnology and renewable energy.
ATTRIBUTES OF BLUE ECONOMY: Describes the multifaceted nature of the Blue Economy, ranging from a policy tool for economic growth to a strategic framework for industrial development.
KEY DRIVERS OF BLUE ECONOMY: Identifies the six core drivers, including the harvesting of living resources, extraction of energy, and the role of knowledge and information.
FUTURE TREND OF BLUE ECONOMY: Forecasts growth in emerging sectors such as aquaculture, offshore oil, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology.
BLUE ECONOMY IN NIGERIA: Addresses the specific political, economic, and social barriers to realizing Nigeria’s immense marine potential.
THE EFFECT OF OIL AND GAS ON NIGERIA’S BLUE ECONOMY: Explores the reliance on oil and the necessity for diversifying into the Blue Economy to ensure future economic stability.
CHALLENGES OF BLUE ECONOMY: Categorizes critical hurdles, including climate change, maritime insecurity, technological deficits, and legal implementation gaps.
CONCLUSION: Summarizes the necessity of adopting the Blue Economy for global prosperity and environmental protection.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Proposes actionable steps, including policy reform and investment in technology, to facilitate a successful Blue Economy transition in Nigeria.
Keywords
Blue Economy, Marine Environmental Protection, Sustainable Development, Nigeria, Ocean Governance, Maritime Law, UNCLOS, Fisheries, Renewable Energy, Economic Diversification, Coastal Management, PROBLUE, Blue Growth, Marine Biotechnology, Sustainable Seafood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the Blue Economy as a sustainable development model, specifically investigating how it can be implemented in Nigeria to protect the marine environment while fostering economic growth.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the legal frameworks of ocean governance (UNCLOS), the comparison between Blue and Green economies, the importance of technological innovation, and the specific challenges faced by Nigeria.
What is the primary objective of the work?
The main goal is to identify gaps in Nigeria's current maritime policy and propose strategies to transition from an oil-dependent economy to a sustainable, ocean-based economic model.
Which research methodology is employed?
The author uses a doctrinal, library-based research methodology, analyzing primary legal sources such as international treaties, constitutions, and statutes, alongside secondary academic materials.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the conceptual definitions of the Blue Economy, global best practices like the EU's Blue Growth strategy, and a detailed analysis of the economic, social, and security challenges in Nigeria.
How is the Blue Economy characterized?
It is characterized as an integration of sustainable development and economic growth that balances human well-being with environmental resilience through clean technologies and circular resource use.
Why is Nigeria’s reliance on oil a factor in this research?
The research argues that Nigeria's heavy dependence on oil makes the economy vulnerable and necessitates a shift toward the Blue Economy to utilize its vast, untapped maritime resources.
What specific security threats does the Nigerian maritime sector face?
The paper highlights significant challenges including piracy, armed robbery at sea, human trafficking, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
How does the author propose to improve maritime management in Nigeria?
The author recommends reforming institutional and legal frameworks, digitizing standard operating procedures (SOPs) to reduce corruption, and forming a dedicated team of maritime and ecological experts.
What role does technology play in the proposed Blue Economy model?
Technology is presented as critical for effective monitoring, data-driven decision-making, improving port turnaround times, and reducing human-interface corruption in shipping operations.
- Citar trabajo
- Ekemeabasi Essen (Autor), 2020, Blue Economy. The new frontier for marine environmental protection and sustainable development, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/972355
