What's Happening?
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is set to address sustainable growth strategies for the ocean economy at the Oceanology International 2026 event in London. Claire Jolly, the lead of the Ocean Economy programme at OECD,
will deliver a keynote speech emphasizing the importance of managing the ocean economy wisely to ensure both economic prosperity and ocean health. The ocean economy, valued at approximately $2.6 trillion, supports over 100 million jobs and contributes 3-4% of global GDP. However, it faces challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. The OECD's report, 'The Ocean Economy to 2050,' outlines strategic priorities including strengthening ocean governance, promoting technological innovation, and enhancing data collection. The OECD also plans to release a biennial publication, 'The Ocean Economy at A Glance,' to provide updated statistics and analysis.
Why It's Important?
The ocean economy is a significant contributor to global prosperity, and its sustainable management is crucial for long-term economic and ecological resilience. The OECD's focus on sustainable growth strategies highlights the need for international cooperation and innovation to address challenges like overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss. By investing in marine conservation and low carbon technologies, stakeholders can ensure the ocean economy's continued growth while preserving its natural capital. The OECD's initiatives aim to provide decision-makers with the necessary tools and data to implement effective policies, which could have far-reaching impacts on industries such as offshore renewables, marine tourism, and maritime transport.
What's Next?
The Oceanology International 2026 event will feature discussions on the future trajectory of the ocean economy, with a focus on technological innovation and ocean intelligence. The OECD will continue to support global collaboration through its frameworks, aiming to unlock the full potential of a sustainable ocean economy. The upcoming publication, 'The Ocean Economy at A Glance,' will offer valuable insights for policymakers and industry leaders. As the ocean economy evolves, stakeholders will need to adapt to structural forces like population growth and technological advances, ensuring that economic growth aligns with environmental stewardship.
