International ocean governance as a necessary backdrop to developing Africa’s blue economy

Abstract

The emergence of the blue economy as an aspirational development framework for sub-Saharan Africa has paralleled its rise on the international stage. Understanding the international ocean governance framework underpinning the sustainable blue economy concept contextualizes these ambitions when balancing inherent tensions between growth and sustainability perspectives. In this chapter, key multilateral agreements relevant to sustainable economic development of maritime space and marine resources, within Africa and globally, are summarized with a particular focus on the environmental components of these agreements. The national implementation of international and regional agreements, together with institutional strengthening, policy harmonization and cooperative approaches between states, will help to achieve the full potential of a pan-African sustainable blue economy. Experience and commentaries to date suggest that for blue economic growth to be truly sustainable, its governance must be situated within ecological and social realities, over a range of spatial scales and time frames, with progress regularly assessed and adjustments made. Socially equitable approaches underpinned by scientific knowledge and embedded within an adaptive and holistic governance framework will have the highest chance of lasting success.