Developing A Blue Economy: Unlocking Economic Growth & Industry Resilience
Toi EDA are thrilled to have hosted the Sustainable Seas and BOPAG Workshop on the 17th June, where industry experts, community leaders, and stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of marine resources, in the context of Aotearoa.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our presenters Julie Hall, Jodie Kuntzsch, Peter Vitasovich, Nick Lewis and Donna Perese for their insightful contributions and to everyone who attended.
The workshop was packed with valuable content, covering a range of relevant topics, case studies, and engaging discussions. Some of the key highlights included:
Enhancing the Utilisation of Marine Resources
Innovative strategies to better use the marine resources that we do have, ensuring sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the economy.
Building on Existing Sectors
The workshop highlighted ways to build on existing marine sectors such as fishing, aquaculture, and tourism. By leveraging current strengths and integrating new technologies, we can increase productivity and sustainability across these different sectors.
Place-Based Regional Development
A strong focus was placed on place-based regional development, which tailors economic strategies to the individual strengths and needs of specific areas. This approach ensures that development is sustainable and beneficial to local communities, supporting long-term growth and resilience.
Blue Economy Principles
The workshop also covered principles of the blue economy, emphasizing the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health. Practical applications of these principles were discussed, providing real-life examples of their integration into the industry as well as regional development plans.
Jodie Kuntzsch shared a very insightful update on behalf of Moananui, highlighting current opportunities and collaborations within the marine sector. Her presentation reinforced the potential for partnerships and innovation in driving sustainable economic growth.
Aquaculture Case Studies
Several aquaculture case studies were also discussed, highlighting various locations across Aotearoa, including Bluff, Akaroa, and other southern regions. These case studies provided valuable lessons on successful practices, challenges faced, and strategies for overcoming them. The examples showcased the diverse approaches to aquaculture and their impact on local economies and communities.
The active participation and enthusiasm was a testament to everyone involved. We are excited about the additional collaborations and opportunities that will happen as a flow on from this workshop. The discussions and insights shared today will undoubtedly contribute to the sustainable development of our marine resources and the broader economy.
We also extend our gratitude to the Whakatāne District Council for their support and for providing a fantastic venue for this event. Ngā mihi nui to all participants, presenters, and supporters for making this workshop a memorable and impactful experience. We look forward to building on the momentum generated today and continuing to support the Aquaculture industry as a growing contributor to the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s Economic landscape.