London and Dubai, UAE — The report presents case studies of innovative approaches to the most pressing ocean challenges facing the Indian Ocean Rim countries;

Case studies showcase how organisations are creating commercial opportunities from ocean challenges. In a southern village in India, fishermen are supplying plastics from the ocean for road building; in Malaysia, an offshore oil rig was converted into a sustainable dive resort;

The Seychelles has demonstrated global leadership in issuing the world’s first blue bond; the case study tells the story behind the scenes;

Countries in the region are focusing on land-based solutions to address ocean issues, including the waste-insurance clinic in Indonesia which offers healthcare in exchange for garbage; and a modular farm in the UAE which is repurposing brine from desalination (often discharged into the ocean);

Advanced technologies are proving useful in tackling ocean issues, such as combating illegal fishing practices in Indonesia.

The second part of a research report released today by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) highlights a range of measures being taken across the Indian Ocean region to support the sustainable development of the ocean. The report, Charting the course for ocean sustainability in the Indian Ocean Rim, sponsored by Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and the Department of Economic Development Abu Dhabi, identifies key ocean issues facing the rim countries and assesses the pace of progress towards a blue economy.

Research published today includes deep dives on five key issues facing the Indian Ocean – the degradation of the marine ecosystem, plastics pollution, unsustainable fishing, extraction of non-renewable marine resources and rising water salinity from desalination. Each chapter includes case studies that explore key facets of the ocean issue and reflect the ecological and economic diversity of the region.

Melanie Noronha, editor of the report said: “In the first part of this research we looked at the importance of the Indian Ocean to the livelihoods of its population and the challenges facing it. The second part highlights how the countries of the region are responding to these challenges. The positives drawn from this research are encouraging and provide a blueprint for the region as a whole.”

Klaas de Vos, deputy editorial director of The Economist Group’s World Ocean Initiative, adds: “This research is encouraging in that it includes examples of how entrepreneurs, governments and business are working together to deliver solutions around the sustainable development of the ocean. This is the message that is the very core of the Initiative’s work.”

Source: All Africa