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Asean Blue Innovation Challenge
The ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge represents a unique initiative aimed at fostering the development of the blue economy in ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste. It seeks to identify, finance, and support innovative solutions geared towards the conservation and sustainable management of marine ecosystems, coastal areas, and freshwater resources. In addition to providing financial support, it facilitates connections between innovators and potential stakeholders, including investors and business entities.
Topics Addressed
Climate Issues
Climate change presents significant challenges to critical sectors of the blue economy, including fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism. Traditional approaches alone are insufficient to address these challenges, necessitating the exploration of novel solutions. Innovators, with their adaptability and inventive spirit, emerge as pivotal actors in the development of transformative technologies aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate impacts, thereby fostering a more sustainable future
Marine Plastic Pollution
Our oceans are facing a serious plastic pollution problem, which harms marine life and ecosystems and even affects our food chain. While traditional methods like beach clean-ups and recycling help, they are not enough to tackle the millions of tons of plastic entering the oceans every year. To really make a difference, fresh ideas from innovators are needed. Their knack for thinking differently and shaking up old ways of doing things is key.
Sustainable Fisheries
In recent decades, the rising global demand for fish has driven the development of fishing technology. However, this has led to overexploitation of fishery resources due to unsustainable practices. Consequently, fish stocks are heavily exploited, and critical marine and freshwater ecosystems are severely degraded, endangering their long-term survival. Urgent action is needed, and innovators, with their agility and fresh perspectives, hold the key to developing innovative technologies and solutions ensuring not only healthy fish stocks but also thriving local communities for generations to come.
Sustainable Tourism
Unsustainable tourism management in coastal, freshwater, and marine zones often harms delicate environments, exploiting resources and contributing to pollution. Innovation holds the key in shifting towards sustainable practices - from eco-friendly lodging and low-impact transportation to empowering local communities and promoting regenerative tourism models. Only through creative solutions can we ensure thriving destinations, responsible tourist behaviour, and sustainable future.
Targeted Countries
Participant Requirements
A minimum of 3 (three) people representing a legal entity/organization
The team is required to have male and female members, ensuring gender balance
Team members must be at least 18 years old and have legal identity as a citizen in ASEAN member states and/or Timor-Leste
Submit registration and administrative requirements according to the provisions through the online form
Have at least 1 (one) years in operation OR established before April 2023
Have good financial standing, proven with record of ongoing and completed projects in the last 1 year and a reference from previous client/partner
How To Apply
- The submission of proposals and required documents through the online application form is available at the following link: https://bit.ly/ABICApplicationForm within the period of the 1 April to the 31 May 2024. Proposals received after 31 May 2024, 11.59 PM Jakarta Time (GMT+7) will not be considered by the system.
- Only applicants who have completed all fields in the application form and provided all requisite documents will undergo evaluation.
- All submission forms must be completed in English. Request for assistance and inquiries shall be addressed directly at aseanbluechallenge.id@undp.org by 30 May 2024 11.59 PM Jakarta Time (GMT+7).
Following the commencement of registration, virtual sessions will be convened to disseminate information regarding the innovation challenge. Invitations will be extended to the public as well as a diverse array of targeted applicants, partners, UNDP country offices, and other pertinent stakeholders.
To facilitate prospective participants in navigating the application process, pre-submission workshop will be arranged, and simultaneous translation (English - National languages and vice-versa) can be provided upon prior request. The tentative schedule of information sessions and pre-submission workshop are as follows:
| No | Date | Time | Notes | Link Zoom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 April 2024 | 14:00 - 15:00 WIB | 1st Information session | click for register |
| 2 | 29 April 2024 | 11:00 - 12:00 WIB | 1st Pre-submission workshop for interested applicants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Timor-Leste | click for register |
| 3 | 30 April 2024 | 14:00 - 15:00 WIB | 1st Pre-submission workshop for interested applicants from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam | click for register |
| 4 | 2 May 2024 | 11:00 - 12:00 WIB | 2nd Pre-submission workshop for interested applicants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Timor-Leste | click for register |
| 5 | 3 May 2024 | 11:00 - 12:00 WIB | 2nd Pre-submission workshop for interested applicants from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam | click for register |
| 6 | 6 May 2024 | 14:00 - 15:00 WIB | 2nd Information session | click for register |
| 7 | 15 May 2024 | 11:00 - 12:00 WIB | 3rd Pre-submission workshop for interested applicants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Timor-Leste | click for register |
| 8 | 16 May 2024 | 11:00 - 12:00 WIB | 3rd Pre-submission workshop for interested applicants from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam | click for register |
