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Blue Futures Pathways
The Sustainable Blue Economy
Why the Sustainable Blue Economy?
There is no single definition for the term “blue economy” but it is widely used to describe the use of ocean resources for economic growth. Adding “sustainable” reminds us that, alongside economic growth, we must also prioritize socio-cultural benefits for communities, as well as the preservation of coastal biodiversity and the environment. The SOI Foundation through their Blue Futures Pathways initiative includes ice and all other forms of water in their definition of the Sustainable Blue Economy. The timing for these discussions couldn’t be better with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the launch of Canada’s Water Agency and the Canadian Blue Economy Strategy underway. With the longest coastline in the world and 20% of global fresh water, Canada is positioned to be a leader in shaping a true Sustainable Blue Economy. To learn more, explore the resources below.
Discover the Sustainable Blue Economy
What is it?
Check out our video to hear SOI partner definitions of what constitutes a Sustainable Blue Economy, and why it is so important for Canada.
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Canada's Role in the SBE
Learn about how Canada is growing its Sustainable Blue Economy, creating jobs and exploring developing its first ever national Blue Economy Strategy.
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Commonwealth Action Groups
Read about how the Blue Economy is making waves in the international community and the opportunities that exist for countries around the world. The Commonwealth, consisting of 56 countries, is helping facilitate the alignment of goals within the Sustainable Blue Economy.
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Two-Eyed Seeing & the Ocean
To create sustainable, healthy oceans for all, we must employ two-eyed seeing (Etuaptmumk in Mi’kmaw). Read about the methodology two-eyed seeing and how it benefits everyone.
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Keys to the Blue Economy
This series from Water Canada focuses on how Canada should define its blue economy and all of the key elements that will ensure a strong national water sector. Read here for more details.
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Quebec Marine Economy
Check out the Technopole maritime du Québec website to learn stats about different marine economic sectors, find companies and organizations in those sectors, and learn how Québec is innovating in the marine economy.
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Blue Foods
The ocean will play an immense role in feeding the world’s population under changing environmental, social and climate conditions. Developing a sustainable food supply and a sustainable ocean economy is paramount to feeding the world successfully. Tune into this virtual panel discussion to learn the about key science knowledge, capacity gaps and opportunities to achieve sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
Watch the video here
Exploring Fisheries with UBC
Listen to these awesome podcasts from the UBC Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries on issues related to our ocean including Indigenous knowledge, the UN Ocean Decade, the Sustainable Blue Economy, science communication, and more. These podcasts were produced by students in the FISH 500 Issues in a UBC fisheries research class.
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The principles behind it
Blue Economy or Sustainable Blue Economy? What are the principles behind it, and why does it matter? The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) explains.
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Understanding water
The Great Lakes make up the largest body of fresh water in the world. Check out this, and other fun facts, in this tool from Canadian Geographic.
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Sustainable Financing
How can ocean and water industries grow sustainably? Learn about the 14 voluntary principles that have been proposed for the finance and investment community.
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Explore Other Learning Resources
Interested in finding a mentor?
If you’re interested in learning about how a mentor can help you navigate a career in the ocean and water sectors click here to find out more.
Find a mentor
Looking for funding?
Please contact a member of the team to learn more about potential funding streams.
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