The Blue Economy and Sustainable Islands Forum kicks off today at the Fórum Machico, on Madeira Island. The Island Innovation team, represented by CEO James Ellsmoor, Director of Innovation Programs & Events Kata Magyar, and Social Media Manager Maria João Aguiar, arrived a few days ago. They are ready to welcome the diverse set of island representatives and innovators joining from across the world, including Cabo Verde, Seychelles, Prince Edward Island (Canada), Madeira, Whidbey and Camano Islands (USA), Bonaire, Malta, Curaçao, Azores, Ireland and beyond.
The World Bank defines the Blue Economy as “the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health” (World Bank and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2017).
Such a lofty definition is appropriate, because the Blue Economy is an increasingly multidimensional space with many opportunities for innovative thinkers to advance sustainable and equitable economic and social goals. A concept of the 21st century, the Blue Economy covers three broad economic dimensions: coping with the global water crisis, innovative development and the marine economy. Within these fora, Blue Economy scholars put forth models that shift the focal point of contemporary resource management.
This article was written by Island Innovation Fellow, Brianna Thompson.
As every year, our flagship event, the Virtual Island Summit will gather speakers & attendees (policymakers, academics, NGO representatives, entrepreneurs, etc), from around the world, to share their expertise on topics pertinent to island communities.
COP28 is a critical moment in global transformative climate action. We will create an “E-Pavilion” where we will share key insights and developments related to remote, rural and island communities. We want to ensure that your communities are represented and that relevant information is made available to you.