This report aims to synthesize thecurrent theory and practice of the blue economy concept togovern economic activity linked to the ocean, and to providea framework for the Government of Bangladesh to analyze itspotential. With the peaceful resolution of maritime boundarydisputes with its neighbors in 2012 and 2014, the Governmenthas recently defined the ocean space under its jurisdictionand prioritized its use as a key source of future economicgrowth. The Government has prioritized the use of thesespaces as a key source of future growth. However, a numberof questions remain in embarking on a policy planningprocess to achieve Bangladesh’s blue economy aspirations,including measures of the current economic uses of the oceanspace, the identification of clear targets for sustainablegrowth of the use of this space, and a policy pathway to getthere. Described as an economic frontier, the term “oceaneconomy” applies collectively to ocean based industryactivities and the assets, goods, and services of marineecosystems. Ocean ecosystems provide the natural capitalinputs that combine with produced and human capital tounderpin the ocean economy.The concept of a “blue economy”emerged in 2012 as countries around the world have grappledwith the twin trends of accelerating growth in the oceaneconomy and change in the underlying ecosystems. A “blueeconomy” aims for a balance between economic opportunitiesand the environmental limitations of using the ocean togenerate wealth. Few documents exist to describe howcountries can transition their ocean economies toward a blueeconomy, despite much discussion since 2012. This reportfills that gap by offering a conceptual framework to guidepolicy-makers in Bangladesh in proposing specific reforms,by illustrating the economic activities of the ocean economytogether with the underlying natural capital, as well asother types of capital. The framework suggests entry pointsfor policy reforms to change the flow of inputs from oceanecosystems to the ocean economy over time, or conversely toreduce outputs from economic activity (such as pollution)that may impact the functioning of ocean ecosystems. Thereport also synthesizes principles that may help guide suchpolicy reforms. Most importantly, the report summarizes theinformation base needed for the Government of Bangladesh toset realistic targets for a blue economy development pathwayand monitor progress.
PDF
download
878987797
028-85220240
