ABSTRACT
The blue economy is a growing development paradigm based on innovative and ecosystem-based management approach. The blue economy consists of marine-based and marine-dependent industries such as aquaculture, biotechnology, offshore oil and gas, ocean waste disposal, shipping and boat building, and tourism. The main objective of the chapter is to analyse the development of blue economy in South Asia in a historical perspective, applying the descriptive analytic method. An attempt has been made to develop the South Asian perspective on blue economy based on the communalities of the national definitions on blue economy in the region. The chapter aims at evolving innovative pathways by focusing on the real issues of the blue economy such as measurement and assessment of the marine resources in the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the South Asian countries. The evaluation of the existing policy initiatives undertaken by the countries in South Asia; how the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP); Marine Protected Areas (MPA); Integrated Coastal Zones Management (ICZM); creation of science, technology, and innovation networks may help in evolving common regional policy on sustainable blue economy for increasing economic growth; reducing poverty and hunger; gainful employment of the youth, gender equity leading to inclusive and sustainable development in the region. The chapter is divided into four sections. The first section discusses the evolution and definition of the blue economy in global, regional, and national contexts of evolving South Asian perspective. The second section analyses the existing policies and programmes related to blue economy in South Asia. The third section identifies the critical framework for implementing the blue economy on the basis of major determinants of the blue economy such as MSP, accelerated technological change, and their role in achieving SDGs in the region. The fourth section suggests innovative pathways for implementing the blue economy in South Asia.
