The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. The blue economy covers a wide range of sectors and activities, such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, shipping, renewable energy, biotechnology, and coastal management. The blue economy is vital for Canada, as it generates over $30 billion annually and supports more than 300,000 jobs.
The blue economy also offers immense opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and leadership, as the world faces the challenges and opportunities of climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, and social inclusion. The blue economy is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change, and contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals.
What is the Blue Economy Summit and what are its objectives?
The Blue Economy Summit is a one-day event that will take place on March 19, 2024, at the Halifax Tower Hotel and Conference Centre. The summit is organized by ECO Canada, a national organization that supports the environmental workforce, in partnership with the Future Skills Centre, a pan-Canadian initiative that funds projects to help Canadians prepare for the future of work. The summit is also supported by the Government of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Partnership, the city’s economic development organization.
The summit aims to bring together stakeholders from various sectors and regions, such as industry, government, academia, civil society, and Indigenous groups, to discuss and showcase the latest trends, innovations, and solutions in the blue economy. The summit will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, covering topics such as ocean technology, ocean literacy, ocean governance, ocean data, and ocean careers. The summit will also highlight the best practices and success stories from Canada and around the world, and identify the gaps and challenges that need to be addressed.
Why is Halifax the ideal location for the summit?
Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia, is a hub for the blue economy in Canada and the world. Halifax has a rich maritime heritage and a strategic location on the Atlantic coast, with access to some of the world’s largest and most diverse ocean ecosystems. Halifax is home to hundreds of ocean-related companies, organizations, and institutions, such as the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE), the Ocean Frontier Institute, the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, the Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia, and the Ocean Supercluster.
Halifax also has a strong culture of collaboration and innovation, with a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, and policymakers, who work together to advance the blue economy. Halifax is committed to fostering a sustainable and inclusive ocean future, with initiatives such as the Halifax Ocean Innovation Hub, the Halifax Ocean Innovation Challenge, and the Halifax Ocean City Strategy. Halifax is also a leader in ocean education and awareness, with programs such as the Halifax Ocean School, the Halifax Ocean Film Festival, and the Halifax Ocean Summit.