Operationalizing the blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea, Africa
The Blue Economy is crucial for sustainable development in Africa, and the Gulf of Guinea, one of Sub-Saharan Africa's most economically dynamic countries, faces several challenges in transitioning into this economy. This study assesses the situation of the Blue Economy in the Gulf of Guinea an...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2023-09-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Political Science |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpos.2023.1070508/full |
| _version_ | 1797678128331489280 |
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| author | Olusola Olalekan Popoola Ayo Emmanuel Olajuyigbe |
| author_facet | Olusola Olalekan Popoola Ayo Emmanuel Olajuyigbe |
| author_sort | Olusola Olalekan Popoola |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The Blue Economy is crucial for sustainable development in Africa, and the Gulf of Guinea, one of Sub-Saharan Africa's most economically dynamic countries, faces several challenges in transitioning into this economy. This study assesses the situation of the Blue Economy in the Gulf of Guinea and proposes strategies for its operationalization. A qualitative research approach was used to examine each member state's marine conservation initiatives, regional collaboration, management approaches, and strategic frameworks. Findings show that the Gulf of Guinea is already experiencing blue economy activities, but challenges like rapid population growth, urbanization, piracy, unsustainable anthropogenic activities, poor institutional frameworks, and climate change hinder the transition. The Gulf of Guinea's ocean economy accounts for less than 10% of GDP, so integrating the blue economy into trade strategies is crucial for its transformation. A systematic approach based on national priorities, social context, and resource base is needed to foster social inclusion, economic progress, and sustainable ocean development. Enablers of blue growth, such as integrated coastal zone management, marine spatial planning, marine protected areas, marine biodiversity, and blue justice discourse, must be integrated into policy design, prioritizing sustainability and equity. A cautious, phased approach is suggested, focusing on establishing traditional sectors, growing them, integrating value chains, and implementing regional collaboration so that the blue economy delivers on its social, environmental and economic goals in the Gulf of Guinea. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T22:55:10Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-f23b64f3829c4e3b96175c3c5f45a588 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2673-3145 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T22:55:10Z |
| publishDate | 2023-09-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Political Science |
| spelling | doaj.art-f23b64f3829c4e3b96175c3c5f45a5882023-09-21T18:55:04ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Political Science2673-31452023-09-01510.3389/fpos.2023.10705081070508Operationalizing the blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea, AfricaOlusola Olalekan PopoolaAyo Emmanuel OlajuyigbeThe Blue Economy is crucial for sustainable development in Africa, and the Gulf of Guinea, one of Sub-Saharan Africa's most economically dynamic countries, faces several challenges in transitioning into this economy. This study assesses the situation of the Blue Economy in the Gulf of Guinea and proposes strategies for its operationalization. A qualitative research approach was used to examine each member state's marine conservation initiatives, regional collaboration, management approaches, and strategic frameworks. Findings show that the Gulf of Guinea is already experiencing blue economy activities, but challenges like rapid population growth, urbanization, piracy, unsustainable anthropogenic activities, poor institutional frameworks, and climate change hinder the transition. The Gulf of Guinea's ocean economy accounts for less than 10% of GDP, so integrating the blue economy into trade strategies is crucial for its transformation. A systematic approach based on national priorities, social context, and resource base is needed to foster social inclusion, economic progress, and sustainable ocean development. Enablers of blue growth, such as integrated coastal zone management, marine spatial planning, marine protected areas, marine biodiversity, and blue justice discourse, must be integrated into policy design, prioritizing sustainability and equity. A cautious, phased approach is suggested, focusing on establishing traditional sectors, growing them, integrating value chains, and implementing regional collaboration so that the blue economy delivers on its social, environmental and economic goals in the Gulf of Guinea.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpos.2023.1070508/fullBlue EconomyGulf of Guineastrategic frameworkregional collaborationblue growth |
| spellingShingle | Olusola Olalekan Popoola Ayo Emmanuel Olajuyigbe Operationalizing the blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea, Africa Frontiers in Political Science Blue Economy Gulf of Guinea strategic framework regional collaboration blue growth |
| title | Operationalizing the blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea, Africa |
| title_full | Operationalizing the blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea, Africa |
| title_fullStr | Operationalizing the blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea, Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Operationalizing the blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea, Africa |
| title_short | Operationalizing the blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea, Africa |
| title_sort | operationalizing the blue economy in the gulf of guinea africa |
| topic | Blue Economy Gulf of Guinea strategic framework regional collaboration blue growth |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpos.2023.1070508/full |
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