Strengthen blue economy to fight coastal poverty
The term blue economy is still relatively new in Bangladesh and while experts and the educated class understand that using ocean resources can help ease pressure on land based ones, the idea is still something of a novelty to the general people. Specialists recently called for the utilization of ocean assets to fight poverty, especially near the sea to expedite our progress in the attainment of SDGs. At the seminar tiled Blue Economy of Bangladesh: context poverty reduction and SDGs, speakers have called for a coherent policy under which, oceans can become a source of income plus economic elevation. Suggestion has also been made for cage aquaculture in times when Hilsa fishing is prohibited. Naturally, this is a judicious suggestion though first, the concept needs to be taken to the masses. The major step in ensuring a lucrative blue economy depends on how many local entrepreneurs are interested to focus from their land based operations to ocean based ones. Providing fishermen with knowledge and financial support to set up small enclosures is actually a very basic step, which is more or less happening already. The tough task is to lure the big corporations to invest in resorts, renewable energy and under water operations to extract minerals, gems and even catch fish living in the deeper layers of the ocean.
Naturally, a cohesive policy is essential along with declared government incentives like loans at low interest, grace period on repayment plus tax free import of aquatic equipment. Reportedly, the World Bank is trying to emphasise on blue economy and as part of that campaign, development agencies in Bangladesh can launch special programmes aimed exclusively at reducing degradation affecting coastal population. Plans to harness the riches of the sea will only work when special offers are given to potential entrepreneurs. While most talk of the conventional usage of aquatic treasures, the possibility of using the bay areas to develop top of the range water sports facilities is often neglected.
If aqua sports based centres are opened, local people, both men and women, will be able to get jobs that teach them a different skill. However, the first step is to go for a rampant publicity drive in the coastal areas making blue economy a common term, easily understood by all. Preserving it within a niche sector wont deliver, leaving the ideas locked within an elitist portfolio.
