Abstract
Ocean- and coastal-based economic activities are increasingly recognised as key drivers for supporting global economies. This move towards the “blue economy” is becoming globally widespread, with the recognition that if ocean-based activities are to be sustainable, they will need to move beyond solely extractive and exploitative endeavours, aligning more closely with marine conservation and effective marine spatial planning. In this paper we define the “blue economy” as a “platform for strategic, integrated and participatory coastal and ocean development and protection that incorporates a low carbon economy, the ecosystem approach and human well-being through advancing regional industries, services and activities”. In Peru, while the seas contribute greatly to the national economy, the full potential of the blue economy has yet to be realised. This paper presents the findings of an early career scientist workshop in Lima, Peru, in March 2016. The workshop “Advancing Green Growth in Peru” brought together researchers to identify challenges and opportunities for green growth across three Peruvian economic sectors—tourism, transport and the blue economy with this paper exploring in detail the priorities generated from the “blue economy” stream. These priorities include themes such as marine spatial planning, detailed evaluations of existing maritime industries (e.g. guano collection and fisheries), development of an effective MPA network, support for sustainable coastal tourism, and better inclusion of social science disciplines in understanding societal and political support for a Peruvian blue economy. In addition, the paper discusses the research requirements associated with these priorities. While not a comprehensive list, these priorities provide a starting point for future dialogue on a co-ordinated scientific platform supporting the blue growth agenda in Peru, and in other regions working towards a successful “blue economy”.
Highlights
Aligning more closely with marine conservation and effective marine spatial planning
As societal concerns regarding sustainability in seafood consumption have increased in recent years, market-based incentives and consumer behaviour have been seen as mechanisms through which positive behaviour change for the benefit of environmental conservation and management can be encouraged (Vermeir and Verbeke 2006; Barr et al 2011; Cooke et al 2011; Carrigan and de Pelsmacker 2014)
These campaigns have generally sought to engender social changes in fish consumption through an increase in environmentally favourable behaviour (Jacquet and Pauly 2007), and have included high profile media campaigns, certification schemes (e.g. Marine Stewardship Council), awareness raising and consumer guidance (e.g. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch (USA) and the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide (UK)). Campaigns of this nature have aimed to catalyse changes in societal behaviour to ameliorate the impacts of increased fish consumption on marine resource sustainability and biodiversity (Jacquet and Pauly 2007)
Summary
Ocean- and coastal-based economic activities and their associated growth potential are seen as an important driver for bolstering economies around the world. Some countries are beginning to actively support the opportunities associated with this blue growth through policy initiatives (e.g. EU Blue Growth Strategy; the Sustainable Development Strategy for Seas of East Asia; Seychelles Blue Economy Strategic Roadmap). These strategies recognise that if ocean-based economic activities are to be sustainable, they need to move beyond resource exploitation and integrate with marine conservation and effective marine planning; this has led to the development of the “Blue Economy” concept
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