A National Blue Economy Strategy aimed at guiding policymakers in the sustainable development of Mauritius’ marine and coastal resources was signed yesterday between the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries and the Valinor Energy Analytics Ltd at The Docks in Port Louis.
The project, funded to the tune of approximately Rs 4 million by the European Union (EU) under a sectoral support programme will allow Mauritius to implement projects under the Fisheries Agreement and provide a systematic assessment of opportunities across the blue economy sector. These relate to sustainable tourism, maritime trade and transport, marine biotechnology, blue finance, fisheries, aquaculture and ocean-based renewable energy.
The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell; the Junior Minister, Mr Fabrice Gilles David; the Ambassador of the European Union to Mauritius and Seychelles, Mr Oskar Benedikt; senior officials of the Ministry; representatives of the Valinor Energy Analytics Ltd, and other stakeholders were present at the signing ceremony.
In his address, Dr Boolell underlined the importance of positioning the blue economy as a central pillar of national development while emphasising the need to tap into the potential of the ports, fisheries, aquaculture and ocean-based renewable energy. According to him, blue economy is expected to become the third pillar of the economy.
The Minister highlighted the strategic importance of Mauritius’ rich Exclusive Economic Zone and the adoption of a multi-sectoral approach to fully harness ocean-based opportunities. He called upon the youth to engage with the sector and explore its vast economic prospects.
Junior Minister David, for his part, expressed optimism that the blue economy could significantly expand its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, potentially doubling over the next decade.
Ambassador Benedikt reiterated the EU’s continued support to Mauritius, recalling partnership in advancing projects related to energy, water resources and sustainable development.
Source : GIS Mauritius
