On 26 September, ICDP hosted a virtual Dialogue on the Blue Economy – a relatively new term that describes the sustainable use of oceans and inland water resources for social, economic and environmental progress. The Dialogue brought together 26 participants, including Taholo Kami, a strategic advisor on oceans and Pacific Expert at the UNSW Global Ocean Accounts Partnership, and a panel of Pacific contributors including Suva Hub coordinator Salote Waqairatu-Waqainabete, Less than Container Load project lead James Kana and director of NZ tech company Ackama Josh Forde.

The discussion, facilitated by Catherine Fritz-Kalish AM, highlighted the need to diversify Pacific ocean-based economies beyond ‘tuna and tourism’ and develop innovative financing models such as co-ops and aggregation facilities to support small Pacific businesses. Participants were briefed on the progress of Less than Container Load in Solomon Islands to address small-volume export challenges, the impact of COVID-19 on market demand in Fiji, and ways to leverage digital technology for sustainable business growth.

The Dialogue stressed the need for partnerships to foster economic resilience and growth in the Pacific and the importance of community-driven solutions.

Ideas and recommendations from the event will inform the presentation that Catherine Fritz-Kalish AM will deliver at the upcoming Green Rio conference in Brazil in late October.

Thank you to ICDP Foundation and our corporate sponsors DLA Piper and Pyne & Partners for their ongoing support of ICDP and our Pacific Community.

See the Blue Economy Dialogue Programme here.