Blue Economy Growth Raises Concerns Over Coastal Community Benefits

At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, campaigners emphasized that coastal communities must be prioritized as governments accelerate investments in the blue economy—a term encompassing economic activities tied to oceans, such as fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy. With nations increasingly viewing the ocean as a frontier for job creation, economic growth, and climate solutions, activists warned that marginalized groups, particularly small-scale fishers and vulnerable coastal populations, risk being excluded from the benefits of this expansion. The conference, which brought together policymakers, NGOs, and industry leaders, highlighted the urgency of ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities in marine sectors.

Campaigners pointed to the dual pressures of industrial-scale projects—such as offshore wind farms, deep-sea mining, and aquaculture—which, while promising economic returns, can displace traditional livelihoods and degrade ecosystems. They called for stronger safeguards to protect community rights, including transparent decision-making processes and compensation mechanisms for those affected by infrastructure development. Additionally, activists stressed the need for sustainable practices to prevent overexploitation of marine resources, citing examples like overfishing and coastal pollution that disproportionately harm low-income populations. The warnings come as global blue economy investments are projected to grow significantly, with some estimates suggesting the sector could contribute over $3 trillion annually by 2030.

While governments and private investors have pledged funding for ocean-related climate initiatives, such as carbon capture and marine conservation, campaigners underscored that progress must not come at the cost of social equity. They urged delegates to adopt binding commitments to integrate community voices into policy frameworks and prioritize projects that enhance resilience for coastal populations. The outcome of these discussions will shape whether the blue economy becomes a model of inclusive growth or exacerbates existing inequalities in regions already vulnerable to climate impacts.