Blue Economy is an approach to integrate and manage marine resources as a whole from one sustainable approach that considers the interaction of all sectors directly or indirectly involved with the marine environment. An approach that Namibia need to adopt toward 2030.

1. THE BLUE
ECONOMY
VR KANYIKI
OLEBBY BROTHERS GROUP
TOWARD NAMIBIA 2030
A BLUE VISION
ACHIEVING

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Blue economy: Introduction
Why adopt the Blue economy
Objectives of the Blue economy
Bue Economy: Views for developing countries
Part 1. Building a Blue economy: Namibia
Adapt future strategies
Part 2. Blue economy: Opportunities, Blue growth and Benefits
Fisheries
Shipping and Port facilities
Tourism
Mari-culture and Aquaculture
Education and Research
Conclusion
References
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision
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3. The sustainable ocean economy, where economic activity is
in balance with the long-term capacity of ocean ecosystems
to support this activity and remain resilient and healthy.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (2015)
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision ii

4. Blue Economy is marine-based economic development that leads to improved
human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks
and ecological scarcities (Robert 2015). The Economist Intelligence Unit (2015)
defines the blue economy as the sustainable ocean economy, where economic
activity is in balance with the long-term capacity of ocean ecosystems to support
this activity and remain resilient and healthy.
Since Rio+20, the blue economy has gained momentum across the globe and the
Coastal region seems poised to embark on a pathway toward sustainable blue growth.
Today, more and more coastal and island nations are looking at the ocean as the
next frontier for economic development, (Robert 2015).
The blue economy is therefore aiming in expanding economic activities and
projects on the coastal regions of participating countries, this includes wind farms,
oil extraction, cables, shipping routes, fisheries and other human activities including
tourism (Knol 2010).
Introduction to the
BLUE ECONOMY
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 1

5. The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 2
This concept is more than sustainability, is it a key to economic freedom. The
aim is to move beyond business as usual and to consider economic development
and ocean health as compatible propositions. It is generally understood to be a
long-term strategy aimed at supporting sustainable and equitable economic growth
through oceans-related sectors and activities (OECD 2012).
With the global ocean covering more than seventy-two percent of the earth’s
surface, what can be harvested under a sustainable and an economical approach
such as the Blue economy can carter for the entire world’s population. The
ocean is already a significant driver of global GDP especially in developing countries
(Economist Intelligence Unit 2015).
If properly implemented at a global level, the Blue ocean is capable of yielding a
sustained flow of benefits. This includes peaking of fish stocks, resources for
scientific studies, employment at large, more recreational activities, global energy
and both medical and health applications.
Why adopt the
BLUE ECONOMY

6. Adapted from Piante C. The Strategic Meaning of Blue Economy
Human needs: Helping to secure all people’s need for food, water, energy,
materials, recreation and health, as well as jobs, livelihoods, community
wellbeing, and political stability.
Ecosystem sustainability: Ensuring that ecosystem goods and services are
harvested, processed and used in such a way that this process does not result
in any further decline, but rather improvement, of ecosystem biodiversity and
productivity.
A systems approach: Applying the tools of systems thinking and modeling and
integrated planning in a way that takes into account the inter-linkages between
and among different economic activities and ecosystems.
Sustainability standards: Following global standards and guidelines for
sustainable business operations, investment, and financing, and extending or
refining these where necessary.
Objectives of Blue economy
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 3

7. 1. Optimize the benefits received from the development of their marine
environments e.g. fishery agreements, bio-prospecting, oil and mineral
extraction.
2. Promote national equity, including gender equality, and in particular the
generation of inclusive growth and decent jobs for all.
3. Have their concerns and interests properly reflected in the development
of seas beyond national jurisdiction; including the refinement of international
governance mechanisms and their concerns as States proximate to seabed
development.
Blue economy views
for developing countries
‘‘The new emerging development paradigm of the
Blue Economy which is inclusive of the Ocean Economy,
Green Economy, Coastal Economy and Marine Economy
has a great potential for higher and faster GDP growth
scale in the world.’’
Professor V.N Attri (IORA)
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 4

8. PART 1
Building a Blue
Economy
Namibia’s next economic
FRONTIER

9. The Atlantic Ocean which covers the entire western region of Namibia is a
remarkable and resourceful element of economic benefits to the rich-cultured
Namibian communities. The country benefits from the ocean in a number of
ways ranging from simple household income to large scale contributions on the
GDP of the country. Among major industrial activities on the coastal area is
the fishing industry which cart credit as the second biggest export earner of
foreign currency.
The great Atlantic Ocean is indeed the ‘sea of opportunities’, mining activities
and international shipments offered by the ocean are also among economic
belts for Namibia. Yet Poverty reduction, coastal tourism, water pollution and
regional ecosystem management are still broader social and environmental
context that need to be addressed through one approach, an approach that
incorporate all management into one, the Blue economy approach.
Adapt Future strategies
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 6

10. The Blue economy approach is key to the Atlantic Ocean, it will extend the
harvesting of resources, secure employments and overall support the country’s
economic growth. The Blue economy is a sustainable approach, one of its key
features is to focus on ocean health as the foundation of broader ecosystem
and economic health, (Potts et al. 2016).
Namibia is no stranger to Blue economy, the approach has already been initiated
and under development. In 2017, the University of Namibia held a forum under
the theme, Climate, oceans and societies: Challenges & opportunities that
was held at Sam Nujoma Marine Research Centre (SANUMARC) in Hentis Bay
and was attended by both scientists, researchers, government & private bodies
and students.
The Blue economic focuses on improving human well-being and social equity,
while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.
Professor V.N Attri (IORA)
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 7

11. The forum was aimed at providing insights of what the Blue economy will deliver
if careful understood, involves everyone and timely introduced. The forum, which
saw presentations from different economic sectors shed light on the need for
different dynamic sectors to address coastal issues as one.
The forum highlighted the importance of firstly establishing a trusted and
diversified knowledge base, complemented by resources which help inspire
and support innovation. Followed by an engaged process of stakeholder
consultation, and co-creation of a vision for a Blue Economy that can help set
appropriate targets and necessary actions.
Image: Researchers, scientists and students posing at university forum in Hentis Bay.
Knowledge of the marine environment is also a critical need for effective decision
making toward a blue economy. Translating new opportunities into productive
sectors will require investment in research and development, building
technical capacity, and creating the right environment to attract and retain
outside investment as a fundamental principle of a blue economy, (Potts et al.
2016).
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 8

12. The blue economy as an adaptive operation will fuse in place the necessary
policies, legislation, infrastructure and set up trade association that will
transform, reduce waste and bring maximum gains to the Namibia coastal
environment.
Namibia can benefit largely toward the introduction of Blue economy in its
operations. With the focus to reach 2030 as a developed or as close to,
the Blue economy can be the driving tool for the growth, exploration and
conservation of the Namibia marine resources. The Blue Economy approach
will also create the trading association between Namibia and other marine
communities who have already adapted to the Blue economy concept.
The blue economy will not only secure profit and long term use, but will also
shelter for advanced research and innovation that would add up to already
existing knowledge of the Atlantic Ocean. The Namibian government can adapt the
Blue economy with the objective to increase economic development of marine
areas in the future and attract potential investors. With the Blue economy, the
government can easily coordinate institutions for integrated coastal and ocean
management established and implemented across relevant sectors such as
fisheries, tourism, transport, energy and environment.
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 9

13. PART 2
Blue Economy
for Namibia
Opportunities
Blue growth and
Benefits

14. The current state of the Namibian fishery is not very promising, the potentiality
of it to continue generating revenue and secure food over a long time is
questionable. The fisheries is struggling to limit and put under control many
fishing problems. Roux & Shannon (2004) observed that only a few implemented
management measures, such as the minimum depth limit for bottom trawling
or size selection devices in codends, were motivated to limit the bycatch of
juveniles or other non-targeted species.
The year 2017 was no better, the fishery had some stocks closed, a decrease
in canned fish and many losing their job in this sector. Without effective changes
and new operational approaches such as the ecosystem based or Blue economy,
the Namibian fisheries could face challenges in the future.
Fisheries
There is a need to move away from the sectoral and species-based
approaches, which characterize Namibia current approach to managing
the marine environment. Ecosystem approaches need to be further refined
and made operational, (Patil et al. 2016)
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 11

15. The Namibian Port (NAMPORT) is among major African natural gateway to
international trade. The two ports (Walvis Bay and Lüderitz) are both world
class, secure, efficient and reliable because of their advanced infrastructures.
They also give shipping access to inland countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe
therefore generating benefits in its operation.
The Namibian Port Authority must continue it’s committed to the principles of
openness, integrity and accountability and the directors recognize the need
to conduct the business of the Authority in accordance with good governance
and internationally accepted accounting practice.
Shipping & Port facilities
Maritime trade is set fair for growth and economic benefits whilst
reducing impacts, offering expanding Blue employment opportunities
for the foreseeable future (The Blue Economy concept paper 2014).
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 12

16. Coastal tourism in Namibia offers holiday destination for all individual across
the world consistently throughout the year. The coastal towns of Swakopmund,
Walvis Bay and Hentis Bay are centre for tourist searching both the ocean and
desert sensation. It has been one of Namibia huge contributor to the country
economy and GDP for many years.
With two unique environments meeting together, more advanced developments
can increase the number of visitors to these coastal towns, yet the sensitivity
of both the desert and the ocean has to be considered. The best approach will
be planning under Blue economy consensus were ecotourism is defined and
Eco-friendly materials are used.
A Blue Economy approach where ecosystem services are properly valued and
incorporated into development planning will further advance this transition,
guiding tourism development and promoting lower impact activities, such
as ecotourism and nature-based tourism, where the natural capital is maintained
as an integral part of the process (The Blue Economy concept paper 2014).
Tourism
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 13

17. The industry of Mariculture on the coast of Namibia is almost dominated by Oyster
and Mussels farming. While aquaculture on the coast exist only in research
facilities such as SANUMARC, where full control of climate is monitored. Yet the
potentiality of Mariculture and Aquaculture on the coastal towns can generate
a great revenue and secure food at subsistence level, but the risk is way
too high to take on. With less or limited monitoring equipment of climate and
oceanic changes, the yearly occurring of sulfur bloom is less predictable and
cannot be avoided.
Aquaculture under the Blue Economy will incorporate the value of the natural
capital in its development, respecting ecological parameters throughout the
cycle of production, creating sustainable, decent employment and offering
high value commodities for export, (The Blue Economy concept paper 2014).
Mariculture
and Aquaculture
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 14

18. It is essential to have adequate, updated information concerning the exploitation
of the ocean resources. Ocean planning and management decisions should
be based as far as possible on the best available information on the natural,
social, and economic processes that affect ocean and coastal environments,
(The Blue Economy concept paper 2014).
Researches and educational activities can collect resourceful data that can
be used to plan developments on the coast and show climatic patterns that
affects the ocean. The blue economy approach emphasis on the need to have
knowledgeable control over large scale of the coastal environment including
the communities and terrestrial environment meeting the ocean. With annual
researches and communication between different research bodies, the Namibian
coastal environment can be monitored both from land and water station, be
conserved according to findings and developed through environmental sound
systems.
When adequate information and knowledge are not available, decision makers
should take a precautionary approach, actively seek to develop such knowledge,
and refrain from undertaking activities that could potentially lead to harmful
effects, (The Blue Economy concept paper 2014).
Education and Research
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 15

19. The Blue economy is a fast growing-marine approach that is directed at
improving, utilizing, conserving and sustaining the exploitation of marine
resources. It is widely being adapted by many countries who have overseen
the need to improve and increase their benefits in using the marine resources.
The Blue economy is a tool toward improving communication, educating and
integrating management bodies involved in marine environment as a conceptual
strategy to approach economic, social and environmental problems hindering
economic growth.
The Blue economy concept pursues to promote economic growth, social
inclusion, and the preservation or improvement of livelihoods while at the same
time ensuring environmental sustainability of the oceans and coastal areas. It is
generally understood to be a long-term strategy aimed at supporting sustainable
and equitable economic growth through oceans-related sectors and activities,
(OECD 2012).
The formality of Blue economy in Namibia should be introduced to everyone,
seminars, conferences and forums as in the past must be done to educate and
alert all individuals about the benefits that can arise toward adapting these
changes. Different management bodies must strengthen communication as a
way to address marine problems in greater context. The benefits from the
use of marine resources must be reflected in the improved living of Namibian
communities at large.
Hence to achieve such goals, Namibia must move away from fishery management
were the focus is on fishery products and adapt to a more complex, multi-
tasked marine management, were all marine inputs are incorporated. The
responsibilities for a healthy and productive ocean should become all user’s
priority, were decisions to be taken are shared by all citizens.
Conclusion
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 16

20. Hence Namibia should adapt to the same proposal by Patil et al. (2016),
governments should govern marine resource use based on the interests of the
whole community and the interests of intergenerational equity.
The Blue economy approach will maximize the benefits that can see Namibia
reaching the vision 2030 living the dream. It will also increase the long term
use of marine resources, secure jobs and promote waste reduction. Hence the
need to officiate the Blue economy in our long term goals will boost confidence
in approving proposed changes. It will also put Namibia one step ahead in dealing
with climatic changes, coastal development and the setting stock allowable
catches.
This paper did not entirely present all information regarding the blue economy
approach neither did it overlook others view toward the introduction of Blue
economy in Namibia. It therefore only offers insightful information that might be
useful in drawing our attention on the need to implement strategies that can
maximize economic benefits, reduce resource waste and sustain our marine
resources.
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 17

21. Attri VN. 2016. An Emerging New Development Paradigm of the Blue Econ-
omy in IORA; A Policy Framework for the Future. Indian Ocean Rim Association
(IORA), University of Mauritius.
Economist Intelligence Unit. 2015. “The Blue Economy: Growth, Opportunity
and a Sustainable Ocean Economy.” Briefing Paper for the World Ocean Summit.
Greenhill L, Hughes A, Day JG, & Stanley MS. 2015. “Blue Knowledge: A
Strategic Approach to Developing Knowledge to Transition to a Blue Economy.”
Island Studies: Indian Ocean. Seychelles: University of Seychelles.
Knol M. 2010. Scientific advice in integrated ocean management: The process
towards the Barents Sea plan. Marine Policy 34:252-260.
OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development).
2016. ITF Transport Outlook 2015. OECD Publishing/ITF. http://dx.doi.
org/10.1787/9789282107782-en.OECD. 2012. The Future of the Ocean Econ-
omy – exploring the prospects for emerging ocean industries to 2030.
OECD 2012. The Future of the Ocean Economy – exploring the prospects for
emerging ocean industries to 2030.
Patil PG, Virdin J, Diez SM, Roberts J, Singh A. 2016. Toward a Blue Economy:
A Promise for Sustainable Growth in the Caribbean. REPORT NO: AUS16344.
Piante C. 2014. The Strategic Meaning of “Blue Economy”. www.maritime-
projects.eu.
Reference
The Blue Economy: Toward a Blue2030 vision 18

22. Potts J, Wilkings A, Lynch M, McFatridge S. 2016. State of Sustainability
Initiatives Review: STANDARDS AND THE BLUE ECONOMY. International Institute
for Sustainable Development (IISD). ISBN: 978-1-894784-74-0
Roberts J. 2015. “The Blue Economy: From Concept to Reality in the Caribbean
Region.” Discussion Paper for the Caribbean Regional Dialogue with the G20
Development Working Group.
Roux JP & Shannon LJ. 2004. Ecosystem approach to fisheries management
in the northern Benguela: the Namibian experience, African Journal of Marine
Science, volume 26(1), 79-93, DOI: 10.2989/18142320409504051.
The Blue economy concept paper 2014.
UNEP 2015. Blue Economy: Sharing Success Stories to Inspire Change. www.
unep.org/greeneconomy.
UNEP 2013. Green Economy Definition. http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy/
UNECA (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa). 2014. Unlocking the
Full Potential of the Blue Economy: Are African Small Island Developing States
Ready to Embrace the Opportunities? Addis Ababa: UNECA.
Author details
Royal Vilho Kanyiki
Hons degree in Fisheries and Aquatic science.
University of Namibia, Faculty of Agriculture &
natural resources.
OLEBBY BROTHERS GROUP
LESON A M I B I A
OB
email royalkanyiki995@gmail.com
Cell no +264 81 3934633
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