Preface
The OECD definition of the ocean economy accounts for the economic activities of ocean-based industries, as well as the assets, goods, and services provided by marine ecosystems. This report considers three additional factors. First, beyond ocean-based industries and marine ecosystems, it refers to freshwater-based industries and ecosystems, moving from “ocean” to “blue” economy at large. Second, because freshwater and seawater are intrinsically linked through the global water cycle, the report asserts that water security should be considered as a critical element for resilient blue economy sectors. Third, it emphasises the importance of a territorial approach to the blue or ocean economy, which implies tailoring policies to local challenges including through effective multi-level governance.
The report provides new data and evidence from the OECD Global Survey on Localising the Blue Economy, which collected responses from more than 80 cities, regions, basin organisations and small island developing states (SIDS) between July 2022 and September 2023. This unprecedented survey was jointly developed and disseminated by the OECD, the International Association of Cities and Ports (AIVP), Atlantic Cities, the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO), ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability Southeast Asia Secretariat, the Ocean & Climate Platform, the Resilient Cities Network and United Cities and Local Governments Africa (UCLG Africa).
For the first time, this report offers a deep dive into the costs, benefits and governance structures of the blue economy in cities and regions. It provides practical recommendations and a self-assessment framework to help cities and regions bridge governance gaps towards resilient, inclusive, sustainable and circular blue economies. It builds on the Multi-Stakeholder Pledge on Localising the Blue Economy presented at the UN Water Conference (March 2023, New York City). The report also draws on extensive OECD knowledge on water governance, urban and regional development and the ocean economy.
Our organisations firmly believe that cities and regions can pioneer pathways towards resilient, sustainable, inclusive and circular blue economies, and we stand ready to support them further in this endeavour.
