Waves of Change: Advancing the Blue Economy Across Asia and the Pacific

Oceans and seas have long served as vital sources of economic opportunity and sustenance for communities around the globe. An estimated 3 billion people rely on ocean resources for their livelihoods, and approximately 40% of the world’s population resides in coastal regions. The oceans support 80% of global trade, represent assets valued at over $24 trillion, and generate goods and services worth $2.5 trillion annually. Ocean-based industries encompass a wide range of sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, maritime transport, and shipping.

However, these critical ecosystems are under increasing pressure from human activities that often prioritize short-term economic gains over environmental sustainability. The ongoing degradation of marine environments stems from overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, and other harmful practices. At the same time, natural phenomena such as rising sea levels, ocean warming, acidification, and carbon accumulation in seabeds are intensifying the threats to ocean health. Together, these human and environmental factors pose significant risks to the future of ocean resources and the communities that depend on them.

Objectives 

This workshop aims to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration in advancing the blue economy.  It seeks to: 

• Facilitate in-depth discussions and deepen participants’ understanding of key issues, challenges, and opportunities related to the assessment, development, and implementation of blue economy initiatives across Asia and the Pacific region
• Explore possible pathways forward, including the identification of potential initiatives to advance the blue economy agenda
• Strengthen networks among blue economy experts, policymakers, and practitioners from Southeast Asia and the Pacific to promote collaboration and knowledge exchanges 

The workshop is organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as part of its Healthy Oceans Action Plan to scale up investments and technical assistance aimed at protecting and restoring coastal and marine ecosystems, promoting inclusive livelihoods, fostering sustainable blue economies, building resilient coastal communities, and enhancing food security across Asia and the Pacific. Since the launch of the action plan, ADB has allocated $3.8 billion to ocean health initiatives through the end of 2024 and committed an additional $5 billion toward investments and technical assistance in this domain by 2030. Through both Action Plan for Healthy Oceans and Sustainable Blue Economies, and the Ocean Resilience and Coastal Adaptation Trust Fund, ADB continues to support its member countries in advancing ocean health and fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

The workshop will bring together middle- to senior-level officials responsible for blue economy-related issues from Southeast Asia and the Pacific. A total of 65 participants are expected to attend, with 5 participants for each of the participating countries in Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam); the Pacific (Republic of Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Kiribati), and the People’s Republic of China.

• Download the concept note and agenda (PDF, 254.03 KB).
• View speakers lineup (PDF, 2 MB).