Moving towards implementation and impact on the ground
Our Blue Future (OBF) developed a three-year strategy (2023-2025), which will be implemented through a collaborative OBF system involving government agencies, the private sector, local communities, and development partners. The strategy is to deliver on three strategic pillars:
Empowering stakeholders
Improving integrated ocean governance
Promoting sustainable investment and financial flows in the blue economy sectors.
Thematic action areas were identified as the following: Blue tourism, circular economy, community livelihoods, ports and shipping, blue finance, fisheries, blue technology, and nature-based solutions/grey-green infrastructure.
Concrete activities are being implemented in the pilot country of Mozambique, including work on circular economy and the development of a Club of Friends for Maputo National Park.
Establishing strategic partnerships with key institutions which can be used as a model of how private companies and other actors can collaborate to support coastal and marine protected areas in a more systematic and effective manner.
Designing a structure for collaboration in a participatory manner and then mobilizing more partners of aligned vision to implement together.
For long-term results, it is important to forge strategic partnerships that capitalize on private sector interests while supporting sustainable livelihoods and marine and coastal conservation.
OBF session at the Marine Regions Forum 2023 held in November 2023, Dar es Salaam discussing the involvement of the private sector in ocean governance
Our Blue Future initiative
OBF session at the Marine Regions Forum 2023 held in November 2023, Dar es Salaam discussing the involvement of the private sector in ocean governance
Our Blue Future initiative
The private sector has a profound role to play in catalyzing and accelerating the transition to an inclusive sustainable blue economy (ISBE). There has, however, been minimal private sector engagement in ISBE matters. Our Blue Future has developed a private sector engagement strategy, which focuses on effective ways to engage the private sector and the benefits they can gain.
The private sector is driven by opportunities, value creation, financial risk, operational risks, and regulatory risks. Our Blue Future offers the private sector opportunities through Innovation Teams to mobilize resources, a showcase platform, a collective voice for advocacy, an innovation testing ground, matchmaking with other partners, a sense of community, and the chance to build a legacy.
Having a clear framework, structures, and forms developed on how to engage the private sector is essential to ensure all partners have equal participation rights.
Honest dialogue and building a common understanding between partners help foster collaboration and alignment of goals to avoid the notion that private sector partners have more influence over decisions within the multi-stakeholder initiative.
Building interest and partnerships by highlighting the benefits of collaboration beyond economic benefits is essential.
Defining roles and responsibilities of private sector partners helps establish clarity and ensures that each partner contributes their unique expertise and resources to the collaboration.
Pre-screening potential partners to ensure productive partnerships, which involves assessing their capabilities, values, and alignment with the objectives of the initiative.
Clustering private sector partners into different sectors based on their interests has been useful, such as through OBF’s Innovation Teams. This clustering approach enables focused collaboration within specific industries or areas, fostering synergies and maximizing impact.
Political will and a mandate for developing a multi-stakeholder initiative to strengthen Inclusive Sustainable Blue Economy in the WIO region
Our Blue Future (OBF) Officially Launched During WIOMSA 2022 Symposium
Our Blue Future initiative
Proceedings of the WIOMSA 2022 Symposium
Our Blue Future initiative
The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region is recognized globally as a biodiversity hotspot with high ecological and socio-economic value. However, with increased global demand for natural resources, pollution, climate change, and a diversity of unsustainable economic activities, the region’s fragile coastal and marine ecosystems are under threat. In response to this, efforts and innovative solutions are urgently required as a business-as-usual scenario will likely result in the depletion of coastal and marine resources and associated socio-economic benefits. Starting in 2020, to bolster collective leadership between state, private sector, and civil society actors, GIZ’s Western Indian Ocean Governance Initiative (WIOGI) and partners supported discussions to develop a regional multi-stakeholder initiative for an Inclusive Sustainable Blue Economy in the Western Indian Ocean region. This proposal was presented and endorsed during the tenth Nairobi Convention Conference of Parties (Decision CP.10/12) in November 2021.
Having an official mandate is an essential success factor for such a participatory, multi-stakeholder, and multi-sectoral process. It helps create ownership for the process and continuous collaboration within the Our Blue Future alliance.
It is important to have a clear role for governments in a multi-stakeholder initiative. Without an appropriate role for government actors, their willingness to join the initiative becomes challenging.
Multi-stakeholder and collective leadership approaches are essential to engaging in high-quality dialogue among key actors, an essential basis for forming action-oriented partnerships across the region.
The National Nature Trust (NNT) and conservation assets
The acquisition and management of conservation assets, exemplified by entities like 'the Cheorwon Crane Land,' follow a structured legal framework outlined in the 'National Trust Act on Cultural Heritage and Natural Environment Assets'. According to this law, the National Nature Trust (NNT) Board of Directors (BOD) has the authority to make decisions regarding the purchase of such conservation assets (Article 12).
The National Nature Trust employs a multifaceted approach to effectively conserve and manage 'the Cheorwon Crane Land.' To this end, the National Nature Trust issues ‘Crane Eco Securities' signs MOU with ‘the Cheorwon Branch of Korea Crane Protection Association’ (December 2016), and conducts the annual events such as crane population surveys, birdwatching, and bird feeding activities in the DMZ area (held from December to February).
The commitment to conservation extends beyond local efforts, as demonstrated by the 'DMZ Global Trust Campaign.' This initiative aims to broaden and sustainably utilize crane habitats, leveraging the ESG practices of companies both domestically and internationally. The overarching goal is to advocate for the continuous promotion of the 'DMZ Eco Belt’. One strategic plan within this campaign involves expanding OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures).
Sustainable finance: Necessary for securing the funds for conservation activities, engaging the private sector, and broadening the support base.
Legal framework: Essential for setting guidelines for acquisition, management, and support of conservation efforts.
Government support: Crucial for funding and policy backing, ensuring financial and regulatory support for conservation initiatives.
Natural Benefit Eco Securities (from free-riding to payment): This involves pricing the benefits of nature on the securities, and individuals or entities purchasing these securities become members of the National Nature Trust. The generated sales revenue, managed by the National Nature Trust, is then utilized to secure public lands and support conservation efforts. Additionally, tax benefits are provided under the Income Tax Act and Corporate Tax Act to incentivize participation.
The establishment of a legal framework specific to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage assets is crucial. It provides a structured approach to acquisition, management, and support for conservation efforts, thereby ensuring that activities are both effective and compliant with national laws.
Maintenance of agricultural environment and conservation of cranes
Local communities are actively contributing to habitat conservation through initiatives like preserving rice straws and providing water to rice paddies in winter, facilitated by Payment of Ecosystem Service (PES) contracts. Engaging in 'ecotourism programs, including crane birdwatching activities, and hosting 'Crane Seminars,' they create added value for their efforts. Furthermore, farmers in the Cheorwon area have taken an innovative approach by producing 'Cheorwon Odae Rice' and promoting their product brand using the image of the crane.
'The Cheorwon Crane Land,' serving as a conservation asset under the stewardship of the National Nature Trust is situated in Yangji-ri, which boasts a fertile plain and is adjacent to Togyo Reservoir and the Hantangang River, resulting in abundant water resources. This geographical advantage makes it a haven for various migratory birds that flock to the area every winter, typically from mid-October to March. Embracing its rich ecological setting, Yangji-ri has actively pursued becoming a full-fledged eco-village. This commitment has earned notable recognitions, including being selected as an eco-friendly excellent village in 2000, becoming a project operator of the New Rural Construction.
Habitat conservation: Preserving the agricultural environment in a way that supports wildlife, especially migratory birds like cranes
Community engagement: Encouraging local residents to participate actively in conservation efforts requires overcoming inertia
Sustainable ecotourism development: Developing ecotourism, such as birdwatching activities and educational seminars
Economic sustainability: Finding viable economic models, such as the PES contracts, that incentivize conservation while also supporting the local economy is a complex task.
The efforts in Cheorwon illustrate the importance of integrating conservation activities with local economic development. By aligning the interests of wildlife conservation with those of local farmers and the wider community, a more sustainable and mutually beneficial outcome is achieved.
Initiatives like preserving rice straws and providing water to paddies, supported by PES contracts, demonstrate how community involvement can lead to significant ecological benefits.
The geographical advantages of Yangji-ri, with its fertile plains and abundant water resources, underscore the potential of leveraging local natural resources for conservation purposes. These resources provide a foundation for the area's success in attracting migratory birds and supporting biodiversity.
The series of awards received by Yangji-ri serve as powerful motivators for continued ecological and conservation efforts. These accolades not only provide validation for the work done but also inspire further commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Cheorwon Rice Paddy, the largest wintering site for cranes
Cheorwon, situated in the vicinity of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), stands as a crucial wintering ground for cranes, an endangered species. Due to restricted development and civilian access since the Armistice Agreement in 1953, the area has become vital for the survival of these birds. The Cheorwon Plain, with its expansive farmlands and reservoirs, along with the wetlands of the DMZ, serves as essential feeding and resting grounds for crane species.
A positive trend has been observed in crane populations, with 372 red-crowned cranes and 474 white-napped cranes in the Cheorwon Plain in January 1999 (Kim Sang-won, et al. 2020). This upward trajectory has continued, reaching 833 red-crowned cranes and 2,766 white-napped cranes in January 2017. The commitment of local farmers, particularly since 2004, in preserving rice straws and providing water to rice paddies under the Biodiversity Management Agreement Project has played a significant role in this success.
This trust initiative aligns with the Global Trust's mission to safeguard private land in the DMZ (South) and the Civilian Control Zone, preserving it as public property and a 'common heritage of mankind' in the face of development pressures.
Integrated partnerships: Collaboration among local farmers, local communities, groups, government, and private sector
Legal support: The National Trust Act and related policies provide a legal basis for habitat management and conservation funding
Community engagement and involvement: Engaging locals through economic incentives like ecotourism and sustainable farming practices
Private sector engagement: private sector support and public campaigns
Adaptive management: research and habitat monitoring inform conservation strategies,
The Cheorwon case study offers several valuable lessons for conservation and sustainable community-based conservation:
Collaborative efforts enhance conservation: the synergy between local communities, conservation organizations, and corporate sponsors maximizes the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Economic incentives promote conservation: integrating conservation with economic benefits, such as ecotourism and product branding, motivates community participation and support.
Legal frameworks support initiatives: a strong legal foundation, like the National Trust Act, is crucial for facilitating and securing conservation efforts and funding.
Adaptive management ensures sustainability: continuous monitoring and adapting conservation strategies based on ecological and social feedback ensure long-term sustainability.
Broad stakeholder engagement is key: involving a wide range of stakeholders, from local communities to international corporations, creates a comprehensive support network for conservation efforts.
