Identifying opportunities the blue economy offers to Pacific Islands,  so that they can sustainably manage and conserve their ocean resources to benefit their economies and people will be the focus at the first high level Pacific Blue Economy Conference [2] to be held on 23-24 August 2017, in Suva, Fiji.

With marine ecosystems being threatened by issues such as collapsing fisheries, plastic pollution, ocean warming and ocean acidification risking Pacific peoples livelihoods the conference is timely.

Representatives from governments, civil society, private sector, regional organisations, development partners and academics, will gather at the meeting to also discuss the outcomes of the Ocean Conference which was held in New York in June this year.

The blue economy, or the ocean, covers around 70% of the earth’s surface and its ecosystems generate at least US$21 trillion in economic benefits each year, indicating how critical this economy is.

For Pacific people, the blue economy provides essential benefits such as sustainable fisheries, coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and coastal economic activities including marine tourism and community livelihoods. By identifying opportunities the blue economy offers to Pacific Islands, they can sustainably manage and conserve their ocean resources to benefit their economies and people.

Four guest speakers well versed in the blue economy and marine ecosystems, will present at the conference.

Professor Gunter Pauli, an entrepreneur and founder of more than 10 companies spanning business, culture, science, politics and the environment, has written books based on the blue economy. 

HE Tommy Remengesau Jr, President of Palau and Co-Chair of the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA), is recognized for his inspirational leadership extending beyond Micronesia to influence the global governance of oceans.

James Alix Michel, former President of the Seychelles, is Chancellor of the University of Seychelles and patron of the James Michel Blue Economy Research Institute.

Jean-Michel Cousteau, an explorer, environmentalist, educator and film producer, is founder of the Ocean Futures Society.

The conference is organised by the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) and will be held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.