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Accelerating the transition to inclusive sustainable blue economy in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) through shared learning in Our Blue Future (OBF) collaborative system
Local communities play an important role in utilizing and managing coastal and marine resources and ecosystems including fisheries, species of special importance, coral reefs and mangroves. The local communities depend on these resources and ecosystems for their livelihood, food and nutritional security and income. Over the years these resources continue to dwindle and the local communities who depend on them remain marginalized. In 2018, when Kenya hosted the global international Sustainable Blue Economy Conference, the role of local communities and civil society organizations was recognized. However, the challenge is how to empower the local communities and CSOs to harness the potential and opportunities presented by the blue economy in their respective jurisdictions and the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region in general.
As part of capacity building and empowering local communities to take leadership and stewardship role for improved governance and management of coastal and marine resources, the South West Indian Ocean Tuna Platform (SWIOTUNA) with the support of WWF in collaboration with the OBF Secretariat recently completed a lesson learning tour to Kenya. The three-day mission which took place from 26th to the 28th June 2023 involved 20 representatives from the different stakeholder groups including fisherfolk and representatives of Civil Society Organizations who are SWIOTUNA members drawn from Kenya, United Republic of Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar. The main objective of the mission was to offer an opportunity to the SWIOTUNA members to learn and share experiences on various on the ground led ISBE solutions by different stakeholder groups including the private sector, local communities and the government in an integrated approach as well as explore opportunities for scaling out and up in the respective Southern Western Indian Ocean (SWIO) range countries.
Lesson learning and sharing experiencing is an important approach for building capacity of local communities to adopt and implement best practices for transitioning to inclusive sustainable blue economy as envisioned by OBF. Our Blue Future (OBF) overarching vision is a healthy, prosperous, and resilient WIO region for all, underpinned by participatory governance, sustainable economies and thriving coastal and marine ecosystems. In order to realize this vision, one of the strategic pillars of Our Blue Future (OBF) is to empower communities so that they are better informed and build their capacity to be better stewards of blue economy assets in their areas of community interest. This would consequently help catalyze the transition to inclusive sustainable blue economy in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region
The team visited various public, private sector and community led on the ground blue economy initiatives which included Mikoko Pamoja in Gazi (Kwale County), Kuruwitu Community Conservation Association in Mtwapa (Kilifi County), Ngomeni Beach Management Unit (BMU) in Magarini (Kilifi County), Crab Alive Ltd in Magarini (Kilifi County), Tropical SeaLife Ltd in Mtwapa (Kilifi County) and Liwationi Fishing Complex in Mombasa City (Mombasa County) . Prior to engaging in the field activities, the team paid a courtesy call to the Office of the Assistant Director of Fisheries, Kenya Fisheries Service in Mombasa. The government of Kenya is putting up Liwatoni Fishing Complex which includes a a new fish processing plant with capacity of 250 tons per day at Liwatoni. The initial plan is to start processing some 50 tons per day for fresh and frozen and 25 tons per day for canned tuna. The complex once complete will allow processing of tuna from artisanal fishers, modern fuel bunker, fish auction center and can making factory.
Some of the participants being shown how to take undertake carbon stock assessment in a mangrove stand at Mikoko Pamoja
Some of the participants watching marine life in the Kuruwitu community conservation area.
Key lessons learned?
- Co-creation and co-designing integrated ISBE solutions with the local communities is crucial for effective and efficient delivery of the desired results and sustaining positive impacts.
- Innovative solutions and better ways of transitioning and harnessing the potential of inclusive sustainable blue economy requires technological and scientific input. For instance, the crab hatchery at the Crab Alive, aquarium facility at Tropical Sealife, the design and establishment of Kuruwitu Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) and the Mikoko Pamoja Mangrove Blue Carbon initiative.
- Coastal and marine resources are important for livelihood, income and food security for the local communities. Conservation and development initiatives within the blue economy ecosystem must demonstrate and make socio-economic sense among the local communities.
- Developing communication products and enhancing visibility of best practices and innovative solutions is essential for scaling up and out as well as advocacy and agenda setting.
- Building effective strategic partnerships involving the public, private sector, civil society organizations, local communities and other key actors are necessary for in leveraging resources and efforts for successful and impactful ground led ISBE solutions.
- Countries in the WIO region are now developing their ISBE policies and strategies. A comprehensive policy and legal framework for a thriving sustainable blue economy should be inclusive and participatory taking into consideration the interest of the local communities and the wider stakeholder groups.
- Capacity building including lesson learning, training programmes and facilitating access to finances are essential ingredients in accelerating the transition to community led ISBE solutions.
Conclusion and way forward
It was evident on the ground of some successful blue economy practices safeguarding community livelihoods as well as providing innovative solutions to myriad challenges affecting coastal communities and ecosystems. They illustrate co-creation and co-designing of innovative nature-based solutions such as blue carbon Mikoko Pamoja Mangrove Project, collaborative fisheries management by the Ngomeni Beach Management Unit (BMU), private sector led crab farming at Crab Alive and Aquarium/ Ornamental fisheries at Tropical Sealife. The government has the responsibility to put in place enabling environment including policy and infrastructure along the different blue economy value chains. All the sites visited show some highly contextual good practice based on the local situation and demonstrates significant achievements in harnessing the blue economy potential. Nevertheless, there were also some challenges and barriers that limit transition to inclusive sustainable blue economy developing within the context of local communities and the private sector.
In developing and implementing sustainable blue economy strategies, special attention and priority should be given to the non-state actors and more specifically local communities who are the main custodians and depend on coastal and marine based resources for their sustainable livelihood.
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Our Blue Future partners join efforts to provide training on Sustainable Blue Economy
Maputo, 31st May 2023 – Our Blue Future partners, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Mozambican Blue Economy Development Fund (ProAzul) collaborated with the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) to implement this Sustainable Blue Economy training pilot in Mozambique. The three-day training Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) brought together key stakeholders from government and civil society organizations, marking the beginning of inclusive sustainable blue economy training program for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. The training program aims to build a common implementation vision on Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE).
The WIO countries have respective conception of SBE but operationalization or implementation requires a common vision and understanding of what SBE means for a specific sector and actor, and how everyone can contribute to it. The training focused on identifying the institutional, financing and technical barriers in relation to SBE implementation, as well as outlining options and solutions to overcoming them. Importantly, it brought together various stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of what a SBE could represent and accomplish for Mozambique at local, national and regional levels.
Photo Credit: @ProAzul This first training was based on the adapted SBE course materials developed by the Blue Solutions Project to help practitioners and decision-makers discuss conceptual knowledge on SBE. In addition, the course materials cover interactive work sessions that provide participants with opportunities to practice methodologies and tools that they can take away and use subsequently to address or strengthen their contribution to an SBE.
Participants described the three-day training as successful, as it gives more skills and knowledge about Blue Economy and the need to address sustainability issues within this new area for Mozambique. Read more here.
Cover photo credit: @ProAzul
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Task Team 2
Task Team 2
Responsible for Our Blue Future community outreach and resource mobilization.
Task Team 2
Task Team 2 focuses on outreach and stakeholder engagement, and resource mobilisation. Responsibilities include: mapping key stakeholders that could be invited to join the MSI; developing outreach strategies for engaging stakeholder groups e.g., private sector, civil society; identifying potential champions for the MSI at different levels. (e.g., heads of state, NC parties, etc); resource mobilisation including mapping existing resources among represented organisations.
To read more about the governance structure of OBF, please click the “About Us” button below.
OUR TASK TEAM 2 MEMBERS
Simeao Lopes
ProAzul, Government of Mozambique
Dr. Samantha Petersen
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Peter Manyara
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Dr. Tim Andrew
Nairobi Convention Secretariat
Dr. Maha Cziesielski
ACEN Foundation
Chris Whyte
Sustainable Tech
Julie Mulonga
Wetlands International
Dr. David Obura
CORDIO East Africa
JOIN US
Our Blue Future is still in its development phase, with a growing alliance of local, regional and international partner organisations, charting its design and future.
If you believe your organisation is well placed to contribute to Our Blue Future’s mission with time, mandate, expertise and/or financial resources please fill out the Governance Arragements form and send it to us.
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Task Team 1
Task Team 1
Responsible for Our Blue Future strategy and guidance.
Task Team 1
Task Team 1 focuses on OBF governance, development, and management. The responsibilities include: developing appropriate governance structures for the multi-stakeholder initiative phases and their working modalities for approval by the Preliminary Steering Team; undertaking capacity assessments to develop the MSI and advise the Preliminary Steering Team; preparing communication messages.
To read more about the governance structure of OBF, please click the “About Us” button below.
OUR TASK TEAM 1 MEMBERS
Simeao Lopes
ProAzul, Government of Mozambique
Dr. Samantha Petersen
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Peter Manyara
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Dr. Tim Andrew
Nairobi Convention Secretariat
Dr. Maha Cziesielski
ACEN Foundation
Chris Whyte
Sustainable Tech
Julie Mulonga
Wetlands International
Dr. David Obura
CORDIO East Africa
JOIN US
Our Blue Future is still in its development phase, with a growing alliance of local, regional and international partner organisations, charting its design and future.
If you believe your organisation is well placed to contribute to Our Blue Future’s mission with time, mandate, expertise and/or financial resources please fill out the Governance Arragements form and send it to us.
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Fisheries
Blue Fisheries
Our Innovation Team for Fisheries is here to help guide, promote, and research inclusive and sustainable methods for fisheries.
Make a Difference with Blue Fisheries
Join the Blue Fisheries Innovation Team. To become involved, simply download & fill out the form below.
Download the Blue Fisheries One-Pager, to gain extra information
Find our resources and guides for turning fisheries into a path to an inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
WHAT ARE BLUE FISHERIES?
A SBE is one in which people and countries can derive a continued source of value and wealth, while simultaneously protecting, maintaining, and restoring diverse, productive, and resilient river basin and marine ecosystems. It is reliant upon clean technologies, renewable energy, and circular material flows. It provides social and economic benefits for current and future generations. The concept of Blue Economy is central for sustainable development.
Much of the emphasis has been placed on short term economic gains and less on sustainability. As a result, traditional livelihoods and small-scale local operations are frequently outcompeted by international corporations and government initiatives, with little regard for social inclusion and environmental sustainability. The most fundamental principle of a Sustainable Blue Economy often overlooked in the interest of these short-term economic gains is that people are at its centre.
WHY ARE BLUE FISHERIES IMPORTANT
The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region is recognized globally as one of the biodiversity hotspots with high ecological and socio-economic value. However, with increased global demand for natural resources, pollution, climate change and a diversity of unsustainable economic activities, the region’s fragile coastal and marine eco-systems are under threat. In response to this, efforts and innovative solutions were urgently required to address these challenges, business as usual scenario is likely to result to the depletion of coastal and marine resources and the associated socio-economic benefits. In 2020 to bolster collective leadership between states, private sector and civil society actors, discussions between key actors in the region were initiated with support from GIZ’s Western Indian Ocean Governance Initiative to develop a regional multi stakeholder initiative for an inclusive and sustainable Blue Economy in the Western Indian Ocean region. The proposal to develop a regional multi stakeholder initiative was presented and endorsed during the tenth Nairobi Convention Conference of Parties (Decision CP.10/12). Our Blue Future is being developed using a multi-stakeholder approach. (Read more). Our Blue Future’s vision is a healthy, prosperous, and resilient WIO region for all, underpinned by participatory governance, sustainable economies and thriving coastal and marine ecosystems. (Read more).
OUR BLUE FISHERIES PARTNERS
Simeao Lopes
ProAzul, Government of Mozambique
Dr. Samantha Petersen
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Peter Manyara
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Dr. Tim Andrew
Nairobi Convention Secretariat
Dr. Maha Cziesielski
ACEN Foundation
Chris Whyte
Sustainable Tech
Julie Mulonga
Wetlands International
Dr. David Obura
CORDIO East Africa
0Countries0 MPeople directly depending on the WIO$ 0 BGenerated by coastal tourism annually0 Msq. km of surface areaOur Resources & Guides
Want quick resources or guides to improve fisheries within your region? Try clicking through the pages below to learn how you can best apply proven methods.
This is a test excerpt for the Innovation Team based on Fisheries. If you are involved or interested in the Fisheries within the WIO, check this page.
This is a test excerpt for the Innovation Team based on Ciruclar Economy. If you are involved or interested in the Circular Economy within the WIO, check this page.
This is a test excerpt for the Innovation Team based on Blue Tourism. If you are involved in Tourism in the WIO, check this page.
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Circular Economy
Circular Economy
Our Innovation Team for Circular Economy is here to help guide, promote, and research inclusive and sustainable methods for a blue circular economy.
Make a Difference with Circular Economy
Join the Circular Economy Innovation Team. To become involved, simply download & fill out the form below.
Download the Circular Economy One-Pager, to gain extra information
Find our resources and guides for leveraging a Circular Economy for an inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
WHAT IS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
A SBE is one in which people and countries can derive a continued source of value and wealth, while simultaneously protecting, maintaining, and restoring diverse, productive, and resilient river basin and marine ecosystems. It is reliant upon clean technologies, renewable energy, and circular material flows. It provides social and economic benefits for current and future generations. The concept of Blue Economy is central for sustainable development.
Much of the emphasis has been placed on short term economic gains and less on sustainability. As a result, traditional livelihoods and small-scale local operations are frequently outcompeted by international corporations and government initiatives, with little regard for social inclusion and environmental sustainability. The most fundamental principle of a Sustainable Blue Economy often overlooked in the interest of these short-term economic gains is that people are at its centre.
WHY IS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY IMPORTANT
The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region is recognized globally as one of the biodiversity hotspots with high ecological and socio-economic value. However, with increased global demand for natural resources, pollution, climate change and a diversity of unsustainable economic activities, the region’s fragile coastal and marine eco-systems are under threat. In response to this, efforts and innovative solutions were urgently required to address these challenges, business as usual scenario is likely to result to the depletion of coastal and marine resources and the associated socio-economic benefits. In 2020 to bolster collective leadership between states, private sector and civil society actors, discussions between key actors in the region were initiated with support from GIZ’s Western Indian Ocean Governance Initiative to develop a regional multi stakeholder initiative for an inclusive and sustainable Blue Economy in the Western Indian Ocean region. The proposal to develop a regional multi stakeholder initiative was presented and endorsed during the tenth Nairobi Convention Conference of Parties (Decision CP.10/12). Our Blue Future is being developed using a multi-stakeholder approach. (Read more). Our Blue Future’s vision is a healthy, prosperous, and resilient WIO region for all, underpinned by participatory governance, sustainable economies and thriving coastal and marine ecosystems. (Read more).
OUR CIRCULAR ECONOMY PARTNERS
Simeao Lopes
ProAzul, Government of Mozambique
Dr. Samantha Petersen
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Peter Manyara
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Dr. Tim Andrew
Nairobi Convention Secretariat
Dr. Maha Cziesielski
ACEN Foundation
Chris Whyte
Sustainable Tech
Julie Mulonga
Wetlands International
Dr. David Obura
CORDIO East Africa
0Countries0 MPeople directly depending on the WIO$ 0 BGenerated by coastal tourism annually0 Msq. km of surface areaOur Resources & Guides
Want quick resources or guides to improve circular economy within your region? Try clicking through the pages below to learn how you can best apply proven methods.
This is a test excerpt for the Innovation Team based on Fisheries. If you are involved or interested in the Fisheries within the WIO, check this page.
This is a test excerpt for the Innovation Team based on Ciruclar Economy. If you are involved or interested in the Circular Economy within the WIO, check this page.
This is a test excerpt for the Innovation Team based on Blue Tourism. If you are involved in Tourism in the WIO, check this page.
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Blue Tourism
Blue Tourism
Our Innovation Team for Blue Tourism is here to help guide, promote, and research inclusive and sustainable methods for tourism.
Make a Difference with Tourism
Join the Blue Tourism Innovation Team. To become involved, simply download & fill out the form below.
Download the Blue Tourism One-Pager, to gain extra information
Find our resources and guides for turning tourism into a path to an inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
WHAT IS BLUE TOURISM?
A SBE is one in which people and countries can derive a continued source of value and wealth, while simultaneously protecting, maintaining, and restoring diverse, productive, and resilient river basin and marine ecosystems. It is reliant upon clean technologies, renewable energy, and circular material flows. It provides social and economic benefits for current and future generations. The concept of Blue Economy is central for sustainable development.
Much of the emphasis has been placed on short term economic gains and less on sustainability. As a result, traditional livelihoods and small-scale local operations are frequently outcompeted by international corporations and government initiatives, with little regard for social inclusion and environmental sustainability. The most fundamental principle of a Sustainable Blue Economy often overlooked in the interest of these short-term economic gains is that people are at its centre.
WHY IS BLUE TOURISM IMPORTANT
The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region is recognized globally as one of the biodiversity hotspots with high ecological and socio-economic value. However, with increased global demand for natural resources, pollution, climate change and a diversity of unsustainable economic activities, the region’s fragile coastal and marine eco-systems are under threat. In response to this, efforts and innovative solutions were urgently required to address these challenges, business as usual scenario is likely to result to the depletion of coastal and marine resources and the associated socio-economic benefits. In 2020 to bolster collective leadership between states, private sector and civil society actors, discussions between key actors in the region were initiated with support from GIZ’s Western Indian Ocean Governance Initiative to develop a regional multi stakeholder initiative for an inclusive and sustainable Blue Economy in the Western Indian Ocean region. The proposal to develop a regional multi stakeholder initiative was presented and endorsed during the tenth Nairobi Convention Conference of Parties (Decision CP.10/12). Our Blue Future is being developed using a multi-stakeholder approach. (Read more). Our Blue Future’s vision is a healthy, prosperous, and resilient WIO region for all, underpinned by participatory governance, sustainable economies and thriving coastal and marine ecosystems. (Read more).
OUR BLUE TOURISM PARTNERS
Simeao Lopes
ProAzul, Government of Mozambique
Dr. Samantha Petersen
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Peter Manyara
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Dr. Tim Andrew
Nairobi Convention Secretariat
Dr. Maha Cziesielski
ACEN Foundation
Chris Whyte
Sustainable Tech
Julie Mulonga
Wetlands International
Dr. David Obura
CORDIO East Africa
0Countries0 MPeople directly depending on the WIO$ 0 BGenerated by coastal tourism annually0 Msq. km of surface areaOur Resources & Guides
Want quick resources or guides to improve tourism within your region? Try clicking through the pages below to learn how you can best apply proven methods.
This is a test excerpt for the Innovation Team based on Fisheries. If you are involved or interested in the Fisheries within the WIO, check this page.
This is a test excerpt for the Innovation Team based on Ciruclar Economy. If you are involved or interested in the Circular Economy within the WIO, check this page.
This is a test excerpt for the Innovation Team based on Blue Tourism. If you are involved in Tourism in the WIO, check this page.
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From Linear to Circular: The Future for a Sustainable Blue Economy
The ocean and the blue economy have a significant role to play in transitioning to a circular economy. A circular economy model in the ocean and blue economy would mean designing products and services that are reusable, recyclable, and non-toxic, while also preserving and restoring the health of the marine ecosystem. In this article, we will delve into the concept of circular economy, which is gaining momentum worldwide as a sustainable economic model. As we face increasing environmental challenges, it’s imperative to shift towards a circular economy to reduce waste and carbon emissions. We will explore the principles, benefits, and challenges of circular economy and examine strategies for its implementation.
The Case for a Circular Economy vs Linear Economy
Circular economy is often contrasted with the traditional linear economy model, which involves a linear flow of resources from extraction to production, consumption, and disposal. This approach results in large amounts of waste and pollution, contributing to environmental degradation and resource depletion.
In contrast, circular economy focuses on creating a closed-loop system where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, reducing waste and pollution. This model involves designing products and services with reuse and recycling in mind, as well as prioritizing renewable energy sources and regenerative agriculture.
Photo credit: iStock Adopting circular economy practices can lead to significant environmental and economic benefits. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a leading organization in circular economy research, transitioning to a circular economy could create $4.5 trillion in economic benefits by 2030, while also reducing global carbon emissions by 39%.
Circular economy can create new job opportunities and support local economies by promoting resource efficiency and reducing reliance on costly imports. For example, a study by the European Union estimated that the circular economy could create up to 700,000 new jobs by 2030.
Circular Economy Principles
According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation the key principles which are fundamental to transitioning from a linear to a circular economic model are;
Designing out waste and pollution: This involves designing products and systems with the intention of eliminating waste and pollution. This can be achieved through strategies such as using renewable or recyclable materials, designing for disassembly and reuse, and minimizing the use of toxic chemicals. An example of a project embodying this principle is The Ocean Cleanup project which deploys a device that captures and removes plastic waste from the ocean.
Keeping products and materials in use: This principle focuses on extending the life of products and materials through strategies such as repair, refurbishment, and recycling. It also includes the implementation of closed-loop systems, where waste is reused as a resource and kept in circulation for as long as possible. This principle aims to create a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency. The Fish-coin project a block chain based platform and Abalobi who’s technologies and programmes poise small-scale fishers for social, economic and ecological sustainability are excellent examples of this principle being applied in the blue economy.
Regenerating natural systems: This principle involves working to restore and regenerate natural systems by sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and other environmentally friendly practices. This can help to reduce the depletion of natural resources and minimize the negative impacts of economic activity on the environment. An example of this being applied in the blue economy is the Coral Vita project, which aims to restore coral reefs through land-based coral farms that are grown in controlled environments and then transplanted back into the ocean.
Photo credit: Ellen MacArthur Foundation Circular Economy Examples – Projects in the Western Indian Ocean
The Western Indian Ocean Region is making stride in circular economy with projects initiated by governments, NGOs or the private sector. Some examples include:
The ACEN Foundation is actively involved in several projects that promote the circular economy. They have a resource recovery program focusing on waste management and recycling, aiming to divert waste from landfills. They collaborate with businesses to develop sustainable supply chains, encouraging responsible sourcing practices and waste reduction. The foundation also organizes a circular design challenge to stimulate innovative, sustainable product designs. They run a circular business incubator to support entrepreneurs and startups working on circular economy models. Additionally, the foundation conducts educational initiatives and awareness campaigns to promote understanding and adoption of circular economy principles.
Blue Economy Strategic Framework and Roadmap for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO): This initiative, led by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), aims to promote sustainable blue economy practices in the region. It focuses on various sectors such as fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, and waste management.
Seychelles Blue Economy Strategic Policy Framework and Roadmap: The Seychelles government has developed a comprehensive strategic framework for its blue economy, which includes circular economy principles. The framework focuses on sustainable fisheries, marine-based renewable energy, and waste management, with an emphasis on reducing marine pollution and promoting resource efficiency.
Zanzibar Integrated Waste Management Project: This project, implemented by the Zanzibar Environmental Management Authority, aims to improve waste management practices in Zanzibar, Tanzania. It includes initiatives such as waste segregation, recycling, and composting, with the goal of reducing marine pollution.
Blue Ventures’ Velondriake Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA): Blue Ventures, a marine conservation organization, works in the Velondriake LMMA in southwest Madagascar. The project focuses on sustainable fisheries management, alternative livelihoods, and community-based marine conservation. It incorporates the circular economy principles by promoting sustainable fishing practices, reducing waste in the fishing industry, and supporting local communities in resource management.
Challenges for a Circular Economy
While it offers numerous benefits, including the reduction of resource depletion and pollution, the transition to a circular economy is not without its challenges. In this section, we will explore some of the key challenges facing the implementation of circular economy principles and discuss potential solutions to overcome these obstacles.
Consumer Behavior and Mindset
Many consumers are unaware of the environmental impact of their actions and will often choose convenience over sustainability such as using single-use plastic or throwing away clothes. Another challenge is the cost as sustainable alternatives are expensive.
Limited Infrastructure and Technology
Limited infrastructure and technology can be a significant challenge to the transition to a circular economy. The current infrastructure and technology systems in place are designed to support a linear economy, which can make it difficult to implement circular practices.
One significant barrier is the lack of adequate waste management infrastructure in many regions. According to the World Bank, over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to waste collection services, and up to 90% of waste in low-income countries is disposed of in unregulated dumpsites.
Moreover, the cost of implementing circular economy practices can be a significant barrier, as businesses and governments may not have the resources to invest in new infrastructure or technologies. Additionally, some circular solutions, such as recycling, require expensive and complex technologies to be economically viable.
To overcome these challenges, there needs to be a concerted effort to invest in the development and implementation of circular infrastructure and technologies. Governments and businesses need to work together to support the creation of circular infrastructure such as recycling facilities, composting sites, and material recovery facilities.
Investing in research and development of new circular technologies such as advanced recycling techniques and renewable energy systems is also crucial. For example, innovative recycling technologies such as chemical recycling can help to overcome the limitations of traditional mechanical recycling and increase the efficiency of the recycling process.
Aligning Circular Economy to Business Interests
Another significant challenge is aligning the principles of circular economy with traditional business interests. In many cases, the transition to a circular economy may require significant investments in new technologies and infrastructure, which can be costly and may not align with short-term profit goals. Additionally, businesses may face challenges in justifying, measuring and communicating the benefits to stakeholders. Another challenge is redesigning value chains which involve rethinking product design, material selection, and end-of-life management. Additionally, companies may need to collaborate with partners across the value chain to create closed-loop systems that enable the recovery and reuse of materials.
Government Policies and Regulations
Implementing effective policies and regulations can be challenging due to various factors.
One of the challenges is the lack of a standardized definition of circular economy across different jurisdictions. This makes it difficult to create consistent policies that are effective and applicable to different regions. Additionally, some policies may not align with the business interests of companies, and they may resist implementing circular practices if they perceive them as a threat to their profits.
Another challenge is the fragmented regulatory framework that can hinder the transition to a circular economy. In many cases, regulatory structures are divided among different government departments or levels of government, which can lead to conflicting policies and a lack of coordination. This can create uncertainty for businesses and make it challenging for them to adopt circular practices.
Furthermore, some policies may not be adequately enforced, leading to non-compliance by businesses. The lack of resources or capacity to enforce regulations can limit the effectiveness of policies and hinder progress towards a circular economy.
Opportunities for Circular Economy
The opportunities for transition require more risk tolerance from businesses and change in behavior by society; rethinking our business and economic models.
Policy Development: To overcome these challenges, it is essential to have clear and consistent definitions of circular economy concepts, along with a coordinated regulatory framework. This can involve collaboration between different government departments and levels of government to develop policies that align with business interests while promoting circular practices. Additionally, the enforcement of regulations should be prioritized to ensure compliance by businesses.
Resource Efficiency: Circular economy principles can help reduce waste and increase resource efficiency, leading to cost savings and reduced environmental impact. It also reduces the dependence on finite resources, such as fossil fuels and rare earth metals, by creating closed-loop systems that reuse and recycle materials.
Innovation: Circular economy models encourage innovation in business models, product design, material selection, and production processes.
Improved Brand Reputation: Adopting circular economy principles can improve a company’s brand reputation by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: By engaging with stakeholders throughout the value chain, companies and governments can create partnerships and collaborations that promote circular economy principles.
New revenue streams: Adopting circular business models can lead to increased competitiveness and creation of new revenue streams, such as remanufacturing, refurbishing, and rental services.
Job creation: The shift to a circular economy model can create new job opportunities in areas such as recycling, refurbishing, and waste management.
Reduced environmental impact: A circular economy model can help reduce environmental impact by reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
The private sector and governments will play a leading role for policy and innovation in the evolution to circular economies for a sustainable blue economy. Despite its potential benefits, transitioning to a circular economy can present challenges, particularly for companies operating within the linear economy. This shift requires a fundamental rethinking of business practices and a willingness to innovate and experiment with new models.
Find our more about the circular economy from one of OBF’s partners: ACEN foundation.
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Sea Turtle Conservation Stories – with WWF Kenya
“I want the Turtles of my Childhood Back!”
Of the eight different species of sea turtles found worldwide, the Western Indian Ocean is home to five: the Green turtle, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback and Olive Ridley. From hatchling to adult, sea turtles are highly migratory species and move between many different countries during their life stages. They have an incredibly high cultural and socio-economic significance for many communities in the region, and are essential for keeping the oceans healthy.
However, our sea turtles are facing many threats, including the destruction of nesting and feeding areas, falling victim to bycatch or ghost nets, and unsustainable exploitation for their meat and eggs. Addressing these threats is difficult, but progress is being made all across the Western Indian Ocean region.
Over the next few weeks, Our Blue Future partner, WWF Kenya, will be sharing some of their successful strategies, through the focus of ocean champions. These individuals have a beautiful story to tell.
In our first of six stories, see how WWF Kenya leverages Blue Technology to help protect a cornerstone species of the WIO! And our fun fact for this week: The leatherback sea turtle can grow up to 1.8 meters long, and weigh up to 500kg. Read more about the initiative here.
“I want the Turtles of my Childhood Back”
Photo Credit – WWF Kenya “When I was a young girl I would come to the beach every evening during the high tides to watch turtles ‘play’ on the waves, then they would crawl to the sandy beach. They are amazing creatures, watching them follow the tide is breathtaking. I can’t explain the feeling, you have to experience it to get what I am saying. Today, the story is different, when I come to the beach I am Lucky to spot one, they have been hunted, killed by plastics or trapped by fishing nets. Turtles on the beach have been replaced by trash and plastics.
I want my children to experience the feeling I felt, I don’t want my children to read in books about sea turtles. I want the turtles of my childhood to come back. I will do everything possible to make sure they come back.
Photo Credit – WWF Kenya 
Photo Credit – WWF Kenya I just want the view of my childhood, that’s all; come every evening and watch the turtles swim on the high tides. That’s why I volunteer my time to help WWF-Kenya patrol the Mkokoni beach and record data using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) provided to the Kiunga turtle conservation group, we record and report on turtle nests or sightings. The patrols take place during the day and at night, because turtles come out to lay eggs at night fall. We patrol the Mkokoni beach at night and during the day. I have to do what it takes to ensure their population bounces back. Marine turtles are endangered. I have decided to help them because they are helpless. If the turtles are healthy, the ocean is and so are my people and my community whose economy and livelihoods depend on the ocean.” Mulhat Mohamed- Kiunga turtle conservation group
24-year-old Mulhat Mohamed is a teacher by training and a member of the Kiunga turtle conservation group comprising of 20 youth from Kiunga protected area who volunteer by working with WWF-Kenya on marine turtle conservation.
WWF-Kenya through funding from WWF-UK is improving monitoring efforts through the use of GPS issued to Turtle conservation groups and other stakeholders to enhance monitoring and surveillance of sea turtles as well as gauge effort. The groups receive training on carrying out beach patrols, nest verification and translocation, tagging and monitoring of sea turtles. Intensive and extensive monitoring of nesting beaches has increased hatchling success rates.
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Event Testing 1: 03/05/2023
WIOGI Team building event
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