The blue economy presents immense opportunities for archipelagic and island nations. Based on FAO data, fisheries and aquaculture contributed to 58.5 million jobs, and the value of global ocean assets makes it the 7th largest global economy, driving socio-economic growth for archipelagic and island countries while promoting environmental sustainability.
To harness this potential, the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum, as one of UNDP’s blue sector initiatives, launched the Bluepreneurs Programme as a flagship initiative under the AIS Blue Hub platform, which has been successfully replicated five times in three AIS countries. This initiative was designed in 2023 to empower coastal communities, particularly women, youth, and people with disabilities, by equipping them with sustainable business practices that not only protect marine ecosystems but also provide significant socio-economic benefits to their local economies.
This year, the programme hosted its training session on 7-8 October 2024 in Jakarta, with the theme of “Bluepreneurs: Sustainable Business for Island Innovators,” which was participated in by a number of entrepreneurs from Papua New Guinea. The event provided participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to create scalable and environmentally sustainable business practices.
Riny Modaso, the head of the AIS Forum Secretariat, highlighted the significance of such initiatives, stating, “The Bluepreneurs Programme not only nurtures innovative entrepreneurship but also instills a deep commitment to environmental stewardship among participants. By merging business fundamentals with sustainability, we are paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for our coastal communities.”
Over the past few years, the Bluepreneurs Programme has tailored its support to a diverse range of entrepreneurs across AIS countries, particularly from the Pacific region, including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, with over 100 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in those AIS countries supported and benefiting from it. The programme goes beyond traditional business essentials by integrating environmental and sustainable education into its training. Participants gain insights into business strategies, sustainable resource management, and eco-friendly practices while learning how to conserve the environment and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their ventures. This multifaceted approach ensures that Bluepreneurs not only grasp the commercial aspects of their businesses but also understand their environmental impacts.
Dorcas Maiyap, a participant in the Bluepreneurs program, shared her insights on the training, stating, “The knowledge I’ve gained from this program has not only supported the growth of my business and initiative but has also deepened my understanding of how important our small efforts can be to protect our ocean future.”
Beyond classroom learning, participants are connected with a network of industry professionals, business accelerators, sustainability experts, and other stakeholders who provide invaluable guidance. This holistic approach helps Bluepreneurs enhance their capabilities in various areas of business development, such as product innovation, marketing strategies, and technology adoption. These skills are crucial for ensuring that their businesses remain sustainable in the long run and contribute positively to their communities.
As the Bluepreneurs programme evolves, it holds the promise of driving further innovations in the blue economy. By promoting sustainable business models, the program enables island communities to thrive economically while also playing an important part in conserving the health of the oceans. With the continued support of UNDP’s AIS Forum and the AIS Blue Hub, the initiative is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for coastal communities and the global ecosystem.
Learn more about the Bluepreneurs Programme on aisbluehub.com.
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