國際海洋資訊

Can Blue Economy Development Drive

the Global South to Win Leadership on 

the World Stage?

Dr. Rokhmin Dahuri

Member of the People's Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia

Keywords:Blue Economy, Blue Finance, Ocean Governance, South-South Cooperation, Maritime Geopolitics

Professor Rokhmin Dahuri serves as a member of Indonesia's House of Representatives. He has extensive experience in marine and fisheries, specializing in coastal and ocean management, aquaculture, and sustainable development. He served as Indonesia's Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries from 2001–2004 and is President of the Indonesian Aquaculture Society. 

Abstract

Marine waters consisting of seas and oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and holds untapped potential for economic development and human prosperity, particularly for the Global Southregions rich in marine resources but historically underrepresented in global governance. The concept of a blue economy offers a transformative path for these nations to harness ocean wealth responsibly for their advancement, job creation, and prosperity; and at the same time enhancing resilience, equity, and ecological sustainability. This paper explores how strategic development and investment in the blue economy can reposition the Global South from a mere resource exploiter and provider to a global leader in environmentally-friendly technological innovations, industrial and economic development; climate actions; and multilateral diplomacy for a better, prosperous, inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable world.

Figure 1. Global North (Blue) and Global South (Red)

Photo credit: Specialgst – Blank map: mapchart.net; UNCTADstat – Classifications. UN Trade and Development. Handbook of Statistics 2023, unctad.org. CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=139254470

1. Introduction

The"blue economy" refers to the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and coastal and ocean ecosystem health. For countries in the Global South—encompassing much of Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America—the blue economy represents both a necessity and an opportunity. With rich marine biodiversity (renewable resources); non-renewable resources (oil and gas, minerals, and construction materials); environmental services (media for maritime transportation and coastal and marine tourism, and life-supporting functions); and extensive coastlines, these regions are uniquely positioned to lead a new global paradigm in sustainable development, innovations, ocean governance, and climate resilience.

However, the question remains: can blue economy development catalyze the Global South's rise to leadership on the world stage? This paper argues yes, and provides an analysis through economic, geopolitical, environmental, and institutional lenses.

2. The Strategic Value of the Blue Economy for the Global South 

2.1 Natural Resource Endowment 

The Global South is home to vast marine waters, Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), coastal and ocean resources, and marine biodiversity hotspots. From Indonesia and the Philippines, Mozambique and the Caribbean nations, Seychelles and Maldives, to Palau and Fiji, these countries have sovereign access to a huge blue economy potentials covering at least eleven economic sectors: (1) capture fisheries (fishing), (2) coastal - and marine - aquaculture, (3) fish and seafood processing, (4) marine biotechnology industry,(5) energy and mineral resources, (6) coastal and marine tourism, (7) maritime (sea)  transportation, (8) coastal forestry (mangroves), (9) maritime industry and services, (10) small island resources, and (11) non-conventional resources seabed. In this context, the maritime industry and services sector includes, among others: ship yards and dockyards, ship engines and spare parts, submarine cables and fiber optics, fishing gears, pedal wheels for shrimp ponds, coastal and ocean engineering, and digital technologies (such as Big Data, Blockchain, IoT, AI, robotics, and drones) for blue economy  development.

2.2 Economic Diversification and Resilience 

Sustainable blue economy strategies—such as capture fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and eco-tourism—can reduce overreliance on terrestrial sectors and increase economic resilience, especially in the face of climate-induced shocks and trade disruptions.

Figure 2. Capture Fisheries       Photo credit: Shutterstock

Figure 3. Maritime Transport       Photo credit: Shutterstock

2.3 Employment and Inclusive Growth

According to the FAO and UNCTAD, sustainable ocean industries can generate millions of jobs, particularly for youth and coastal communities, while promoting gender equity through targeted programs in fisheries, and maritime industries and services (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2022; United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, 2023).

3. Leadership Potential Through the Blue Economy 

3.1 Climate Action and Environmental Stewardship

Global South nations are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea-level rise and ocean acidification. By pioneering ocean-based climate solutions—like blue carbon ecosystems, mangrove restoration, and marine protected areas—they can lead by example and gain moral authority in climate diplomacy.

3.2 Knowledge and Technological Innovation

With increasing investments in marine science and technology—supported by South-South cooperation and multilateral organizations—developing countries are beginning to generate their own data, IP, and innovations in areas such as offshore energy and  climate-resilient aquaculture.

3.3 Multilateral Diplomacy and Governance

As the ocean becomes a new frontier of geopolitical competition, Global South nations can unify their voices through coalitions like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Pacific Islands Forum, and the 2050 Africa's Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIM Strategy), offering leadership in shaping fair and sustainable ocean governance rules (African Union, 2020).

4. Key Enablers for Leadership

To unlock the leadership potential of the Global South through the blue economy, several enabling conditions must be met:

4.1 Policy Coherence and Institutional Strengthening

Strong ocean governance frameworks and integrated coastal zone management are essential. National Ocean Policies aligned with the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework will build credibility and attract investment (World Bank, 2021; United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, 2022).

4.2 Sustainable Financing and Investment

Innovative financing mechanisms—such as blue bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, and blended finance—can bridge capital gaps. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) and regional development banks must prioritize blue economy projects with high impact and low ecological risk.

4.3 Capacity Building and Education

Human capital development is critical. Maritime education, vocational training, and research collaboration will ensure a new generation of skilled ocean professionals and policy leaders from the Global South.

5. Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

While the promise is great, significant challenges persist:

• Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: Requires robust maritime security and cooperation.
• Technology Transfer Barriers: Need for fair intellectual property regimes and joint ventures.
• Power Imbalances in Global Institutions: Advocacy for reform and equitable representation is essential.

Strategic diplomacy, regional coalitions, and alliances with progressive partners in the Global North can help mitigate these challenges.

6. Case Examples

These examples show how Global South countries are already demonstrating thought leadership and innovation through the blue economy, as illustrated by the following cases.

A Indonesia's Archipelagic and Blue Economy Vision: Integrating ocean  sustainability with economic transformation, marine spatial planning, and coastal community empowerment.

B Seychelles' Blue Bonds: Pioneering sustainable finance for ocean conservation and sustainable fisheries.

C African Union's Blue Economy Strategy: Positioning the continent as a maritime  power through coordinated development and security frameworks.

Conclusion

The sustainable blue economy presents a rare convergence of environmental necessity, economic opportunity, and geopolitical strategy. For the Global South, it is not merely a path to development—it is a vehicle for global leadership in an era defined by ecological crisis and institutional realignment. 

By embracing sustainable ocean governance, investing in marine innovation, and strengthening regional and global coalitions, the Global South can not only uplift its people but also shape a more equitable and sustainable global order.

References

1. African Union. (2020). 2050 Africa's integrated maritime strategy. African Union. https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/30929-doc-2050_aim_strategy_eng_0.pdf
2. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2022). The state of world fisheries and aquaculture 2022: Towards blue transformation. FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc0461en
3. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). (2023). Trade and environment review 2023: Building a sustainable and resilient ocean economy beyond 2030 (UNCTAD/DITC/TED/2023/1). United Nations. https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/ditcted2023d1_en.pdf
4. United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI). (2022). Sustainable blue economy finance initiative progress report 2022. https://hma.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sustainable-Blue-Economy-Finance-Initiative-Report-2022.pdf
5. World Bank. (2021). Riding the blue wave: Applying the blue economy approach to World Bank operations. World Bank. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099655003182224941/pdf/P16729802d9ba60170940500fc7f7d02655.pdf