Yvonne Edwin – Saint Lucia Theme: Unlocking the potential of an inclusive blue economy: The gender and capacity imperatives Opening/Introduction A CARICOM statement delivered at the I ntergovernmental Conference stated that …… “ The world’s oceans is facing major pressures simultaneously, with such great impacts, that the limits of it carrying capacity are being or, in some cases, have been reached, and that delays in implementing solutions to the problems that have already been identified, are threatening to degrade the world’s oceans will lead, unnecessarily, to incurring greater environmental, social and economic costs” The problems of the world’s ocean is critical and in need of immediate action. The concept of a blue economy provides the ideal blue print that aims to promote economic growth, social inclusion and improve livelihoods while ensuring environmental sustainability of the oceans and coastal areas. Its focuses on moving beyond business as usual and aims to consider the compatibility of economic development and ocean health. If managed well the goods and services produced from marine ecosystems could more considerably help reduce poverty, build resilient communities, foster strong economies and feed the world populations. It therefore concludes that, the Implementation of a Blue Economy is paramount at this stage. However, Transitioning to a Blue Economy entails ✓ Effective implementation UNCLOS and other relevant conventions, agreement, and instruments ✓ An assessment of the value of marine resources and their corresponding ecosystem services ✓ Increase reliance on evidence based decisions making ✓ Improved governance to grow the blue economy ✓ A framework for economy system base management Moreover, unlocking and tapping into the potential of a Blue Economy requires the partnership of the essential players? Men & Women Point 1: Compare and highlight the role of women and men • History has shown that for centuries, women play a significant role and continue to actively demonstrate this, even today in most societies. Women are adaptive, intuitive, rational thinkers, survivors. Woman have the capacity to see things from different viewpoints and constantly search for alternative solutions to current problems. They possess unique inherent traits as: mothers, nurturers, caregivers, arbitrators to conflict in the family, planners, economist (dollar stretchers) ……..
• Likewise men who for centuries are known to be breadwinners, hunters, protectors, providers. All essential abilities that demonstrate strength and the fact they are competitive by nature. Point 2 : Women and men equally have the ability to contribute to the blue economy by taking up their individual diverse roles. A blue economy calls for • reducing food loss and waste along the value chain • energy efficiency • innovative technology • decent work(employment) Point 3: The need for a changed mindset . A blue economy requires thinking outside the box. The need to appreciate that maritime sector, shipping, fishing, tourism and other ocean related fields should not be seen as male dominated sectors. But rather focus on recognizing the partnership and synergies that can derived from women contribution. Some terms places limitation and stereotype ones ability: Fisher man – Fishers / Sea men - Seafarers Fe male Wo man Police men, Fire men Man agers – Leaders Point 4 : Incorporate the targets and indicates of SDG 5 into the Blue Economy • SDG 5.4 the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate • SDG 5.5 Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life • Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources, in accordance with national laws • See opportunities along the value Conclusion We cannot afford to give up on our Ocean. Building our capacity, through shared knowledge is key. Recognizing the full potential of both men and women as essential drivers to transitioning to a Blue Economy. With greater clarity on how to make the transition states can gain greater resilience to the external shocks.
You cannot manage! what you cannot measure! Therefore, understanding the ocean, assessing your country’s dynamics, the connectivity across all s ectors, the interlinkages and cross sectoral issues is fundamental. As well as embracing a holistic view, that is, flexible, keen on adapting and driven by a participative approach. Embed the essence of the 2030 agenda into everything we do, only then each Man, Woman and child can realize the true potential of a blue economy. Quote: If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far go together.
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