The Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) has initiated the implementation of its Blue Economy Roadmap, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Photo: Internet Source

The Virgin Islands (VI) Strategic Blue Economy Roadmap, is one that was developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and sets out an integrated approach to ocean-based sustainable development. Photo: Internet Source

The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands approved the Blue Economy Roadmap in November 2022, as an economic system that seeks to conserve marine and freshwater environments while using them in a sustainable way to develop economic growth and produce resources such as energy and food.

The Virgin Islands’ structured plan for the implementation of the Blue Economy Roadmap includes detailed activities, timelines, resource allocation, and roles and responsibilities along with a set of performance indicators to track progress.

According to information from the UNDP, from November 20 – 24, 2023, meetings were conducted with key stakeholders representing the public sector, private sector, and non-government organisations (NGOs) as part of a comprehensive consultancy led by Blue Economy international expert, Mr. Jonathan McCue, focusing on sustainable ocean governance, financing strategies, and capacity building.

Roadmap for economic development 

“The Roadmap identifies sustainable financing, policy reform and capacity building as key enablers. Therefore, the implementation plan includes actions for exploring diverse financing sources and partnerships with private and public entities; initiatives for training public and non-public sector individuals on Blue Economy topics; and designing long-term community outreach and awareness programmes,” a release from the UNDP detailed. 

Emphasis is also placed on policy reform to support private sector implementation of emerging blue technology solutions.

National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office in the VI, Ms. Patlian Johnson stated, “This roadmap and implementation plan represents a significant step towards the protection of the ocean and the sustainable use of its resources for improving livelihoods, providing employment opportunities, and promoting economic growth. UNDP is pleased to partner with the BVI Government on operationalizing the roadmap and looks forward to providing additional support as implementation gathers momentum.”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley thanked UNDP for its continued support.

“The Ministry will lead on implementation, but will employ a multi-stakeholder approach to realizing the outcomes of the Roadmap. I fundamentally believe that this focused implementation plan – which identifies some key actions – will be the building blocks for further work that will allow us to pave the way for a harmonious coexistence of a healthy ocean and economic prosperity,” he said.