A “Blue” New Future!

 

The word Blue has many connotations and may evoke a diversity of feelings including sparkling blue waters promising relaxation in the Caribbean, but when we take a look at “blue”, as in the Blue Economy, we are filled with hope!
 

With a culture deeply rooted in the sea – the flying fish holds the title of a key part of our national dish and as an icon on our one-dollar coin – we start to notice that from food to finance, the sea can provide for our survival and also our economic growth in Barbados. The Honourable Kirk Humphrey, Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy captured the interconnectedness of the Caribbean and the Blue when he recalled a poem by Frank Collymore, “Hymn to the Sea” during the National Maritime Flotilla Parade as a part of the Independence and Republic celebrations, “Like all who live on small islands, I must always be remembering the sea”. Each of us have a relationship with the sea, whether known or unknown and it forms an intricate part of our daily lives. The Blue Economy is a way of life in the Caribbean, but it has a vastly untapped potential as a way to make a living.  

As we enter a new year and a historic time for Barbados with the transition to republic status, the “Blue” in Barbados’ legacy is a story that is still being written.  There is no better time to reframe our small island developing state (SIDS) status of 166 square miles of land into a big ocean state (BOS) of over 434 times larger and to sustainably action on the great potential for Barbados to move beyond our shores. 

As we build forward better under the UNDP Blue Economy for Green Islands Approach, promoting economic diversification, job creation and resilience, the interconnectedness of the blue, green, orange and other coloured economies and systems are becoming more apparent. As we are reminded of the role of the sea in shaping us:  as a people, country and region, we can reflect on our learnings over the past years to drive innovation in the blue sphere which can then be used to continue to better marry the old and the new in an effort to do things differently on our innovation journey.

As the Ministry responsible for the Blue Economy in Barbados continues to focus on key pillars for progress, UNDP is excited to support the Blue Economy in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean as one pathway to achieve the triple bottom line of sustainable development for economic growth, social well – being and environmental sustainability and resilience. 

At the global level, through more recent initiatives such as the UNDP Plastics offer and the SIDS offer, the role of the Blue Economy in achieving sustainable development continues to be highlighted and is gaining traction while being placed at the fore as an opportunity to do so.  

At the regional level, through the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, a recently published policy note, guided by the Blue Economy Scoping Study for Dominica shows the role of our region in helping to create the narrative surrounding what the blue means, and can mean for us. 

At the Eastern Caribbean level within our Multi – Country Office, our role as development partners in  the Blue Economy continues to expand through projects such as Harnessing Blue Economy Finance in Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada under the Joint SDG Fund, Development of Blue Economy Scoping Studies for four countries and territories in the region (Dominica, the British Virgin Islands, Barbados and Montserrat) as well as through the work of the Accelerator Lab to encourage innovation learning in key sectors such as fisheries, tourism, waste management, renewable energy, marine conservation and climate resilience.

As Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, President of Barbados shared in her inauguration speech, “Vessel Republic Barbados has set sail on her maiden voyage”.  We like to believe that the Blue is a vital part of that journey to continue to propel Barbados upward and onward.

As we look to the future of work in the Blue Economy, how do we continue to be guided and supported by our Ocean, as we simultaneously strive to not only protect but restore this Blue space? As a projected annual trillion dollar industry globally, how can we find the balance to generate both Ocean wealth and health?

In a time of many external threats and shocks – from one pandemic and virus, COVID – 19 to another – the climate crisis, the Blue holds hope. As the region explores its’ vision to become a Blue Hub rooted in resilience for improved livelihoods, jobs, equity and equality as well as the creation of a more diversified economy, it is sound policy, science, research & design, innovation and restoration that are the driving forces supporting accelerated development.  Fueled by the co – creation of innovative solutions at the grassroots, community, private sector and public sector levels, Blue Economy solutions in the Eastern Caribbean are rooted in balance: for people, for planet and UNDP continues to support Eastern Caribbean SIDS to re-establish their voices on the global stage.

Through a holistic approach to sustainable development, one of the potential futures of a more Blue Barbados will support resilience - in the context of social, economic and environmental elements. It will focus on sustaining livelihoods, providing jobs, enhancing equity, equality and mental well – being while ensuring both the restoration and regeneration of the Ocean, driven by digital solutions.  

UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean is committed to this journey towards the many possibilities of alternative blue futures where we hope that the headlines of tomorrow will read, “Barbados, the Blue Hub of the World provides resilience to the climate crisis while diversifying the economy, advancing social well - being and sustaining livelihoods”. 

We are resilient people. The Blue is in our DNA and as we face a new year and another new chapter in our country’s history, we celebrate what the future holds for the Blue.

***

Nikola Simpson, resident explorer, innovator and Blue Economy specialist at the UNDP Accelerator Lab in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean has been innovating through learning and co - creation of solutions to challenges in key sectors of the Blue Economy including fisheries, tourism, marine conservation, climate, and waste management with partners and stakeholder

UNDP is the leading United Nations organisation fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at www.bb.undp.org or follow at @UNDPBarbados