In our world, every day is World Ocean Day - but we want to take this important opportunity to celebrate you, the partners of the Blue Prosperity Coalition, that are working to achieve a healthy ocean, thriving communities, and brighter futures every day.
Bermuda’s Final Draft Blue Prosperity Plan released
The Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme (BOPP) recently released the final draft Blue Prosperity Plan which features a Marine Spatial Plan and Blue Economy Strategy. Extensive public outreach was conducted and incorporated to strengthen the plan and its benefits.
“This Plan, created by Bermudians for Bermuda, results from many groups contributing countless hours of work. It also reflects the voices of hundreds of stakeholders participating in the consultative process since 2019. Successful ocean management must incorporate diverse stakeholder inputs while prioritising our ocean's health, which we all rely on. I am delighted to support this Blue Prosperity Plan, which will benefit all Bermudians, those of us here now and those who are yet to come.”
-- Bermuda Hon. Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, Walter Roban, JP, MP
Blue Prosperity Fiji co-hosts Blue Economy Workshop
Image: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning and Statistics Hon. Biman Prasad highlighted that a Blue Economy cannot exist without a healthy ocean.
Blue Prosperity Fiji, the Fiji Government, and the United Nations Development Programme hosted a Blue Economy Workshop in May. Participants aligned on a vision for Fiji’s Blue Economy, discussed obstacles, and identified opportunities to advance sustainable economic growth.
This collaborative workshop featured high-level representation from the Fiji Government, public and private sector organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and international development agencies. More than 60 organizations attended the event.
Blue Prosperity Partners attend the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4)
Image: Devon Warner, Barbuda Council Chairman speaking at the “Celebrating Island Commitments to a Sustainable Future” event.
Blue Prosperity Coalition partners attended the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda, which was themed “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity.” Global island leaders gathered at the event “Celebrating Island Commitments to a Sustainable Future.”
“Our local government, the Barbuda Council, together with the community and fishers, created the blueprint for many other countries that are working on achieving their 30x30 goals today.”
Devon Warner, the Barbuda Council Chairman, spoke about Barbuda’s leadership in ocean conservation since passing its Marine Spatial Plan and establishing 33% marine protection in 2014.
The Blue Prosperity Coalition was proud to partner with the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) who organized the event to highlight the progress of islands towards achieving sustainable ocean management. Thank you to the Governments of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the British Virgin Islands for hosting this event, and to Global Island Partnership, Micronesia Conservation Trust, Micronesia Challenge, Local2030 Islands Network, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Conservation International, Island Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, and Environmental Defense Fund for co-sponsoring.
Celebrating Azorean #BlueVoices
On World Ocean Day, Blue Azores highlighted the many Azoreans who give voice to the ocean and the urgency of its protection. We are inspired by the leadership of the Azorean people and Government to protect their ocean spaces.
Samoa Ocean Strategy highlighted at International youth event
Conservation International and the Samoa Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment hosted the first international Youth Exchange Forum: “Heritage Guardians – Youth Voices in Conservation.”
The forum explored the theme of “embracing heritage and resilience” and hosted representatives from Aotearoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, Palau, Samoa, Singapore and the United States.
Focused on a wide range of conservation projects, they explored the preservation of Samoa's oceans and the Samoa Ocean Strategy. Participants of the Guardians program learn about Marine Protected Areas, sustainable fishing practices, and more.
NEW BLUE PROSPERITY TEAM MEMBERS
Saras Sharma
Blue Prosperity Fiji
Country Manager
Unaisi Rabici
Blue Prosperity Fiji
Sustainable Fisheries Coordinator
Ian Chute
Blue Prosperity Fiji
Communications Coordinator
Iemaima Vaai
Samoa Ocean Strategy Program Communications Associate
BLUE PROSPERITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Financing marine 30x30: a systems-led approach and principles for countries by the Minderoo Foundation and partners
EVENTS
FestPAC - Members of the Blue Prosperity Coalition are excited to attend The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC), the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders, in Honolulu, Hawaii from June 6 - 16.