Progress report for
Opening opportunities for blue economy in the EU’s outermost regions
Achievement at a glance
In May 2022, the European Commission adopted a broad strategy for the outermost regions aimed at reflecting these regions’ specificities across all policies, with a focus on “putting people first” by supporting living conditions. A specific section is dedicated to the blue economy within the chapter on sustainable and inclusive recovery and growth, and more explicitly among key sectors such as research and innovation (including smart specialisation strategies and Horizon Europe “Mission Ocean andWaters”), maritime transport, coastal tourism, biodiversity, in line with the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) work program.
Moreover, the European Commission aims to enhance the opportunities offered by the large exclusive economic zones of the EU Outermost regions, by protecting their exceptionally diverse ecosystems, and exchanging best practices to address their common climate adaptation challenges.
It also supports the development of blue economy strategies among the outermost regions. So far, these strategies have been adopted in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion Island, Madeira, and Azores.
Challenges faced in implementation
The Outermost Regions face many challenges in developing their blue economy. These challenges are their remote location, limited access to finance and markets, and vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters. These regions often have limited infrastructure and institutional capacity, which can make it difficult to develop and implement blue economy initiatives. Other challenges include the need to balance economic development with environmental protection and social equity, and the need to address issues such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction.Next Steps
Benedicte CaremierBeneficiaries
The following 9 EU Outermost Regions:
- French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion Island and Saint-Martin (France)
- Azores and Madeira (Portugal)
- The Canary Islands (Spain)
Actions
In 2022, the European Commission launched a call for proposals on blue economy strategies in the Outermost regions (EMFAF 2022-2023 work programme). Two projects were selected for a total of EUR 2 million:- TWINNEDbySTARS - Unlocking the potential of innovation, circularity, and digitalisation for accelerating new marine-based ecotourism, joint practices, and businesses iin outermost regions.
- EcoRoute - Multidimensional and integrated approach fostering smart underwater cultural and nature tourism offer in Outermost Regions.