Blue economy covers the productive pillar of the oceans, seas, lakes and rivers including fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, transport, shipbuilding, energy, bio-processing and underwater mining
It has a great potential to contribute to higher and faster GDP growth. Innovation and growth in the coastal, marine and maritime sector could deliver food, energy, transport, among other products and services and serve as a foundation for sustainable development.
The blue economy is sometimes hampered by threats like illegal and unregulated fishing, piracy and armed robbery, maritime terrorism, illicit trade, arms, drug and human trafficking and smuggling of contraband goods.
Degradation of marine ecosystems threatened by the discharge of oil, the dumping of toxic waste, illegal sand harvesting and the destruction of coral reefs.
In the absence of security, the vast majority of economic activities associated with the blue economy will be affected. Unsecured ocean territories constitute ungoverned spaces in which criminals, insurgents and terrorists can operate with impunity.
