The sustainable management of ocean resources is of growing importance, particularly for coastal communities whose livelihoods and national economies depend heavily on them, especially in the Global South. As climate challenges intensify, managing marine ecosystems sustainably is vital for long-term resilience, food security, and economic prosperity. The Blue Economy offers a framework for using ocean resources in ways that support economic growth, enhance livelihoods, create environmentally responsible employment, and preserve ocean health. 

Emerging from the broader idea of the Green Economy, the Blue Economy emphasises the economic and environmental value of oceans, seas, and coastal areas. It is especially crucial for coastal and island nations, where marine resources underpin food security, employment, and trade. Key sectors include responsible aquaculture and fisheries, marine renewable energy such as (tidal, wave, offshore wind), and low-impact coastal tourism. Other areas include marine biotechnology, sustainable deep-sea mining, and responses to the climate crisis as it affects ocean health.

Gulf countries are increasingly investing in ocean-oriented initiatives through sovereign wealth funds and regional strategies. Examples include UAE-backed port and fisheries development in Somalia and Syria, as well as Qatar and Saudi-led partnerships in Southeast Asia for aquaculture and renewable energy.

This Focus Group will examine how Gulf investments can support ocean-based sustainable development across the Global South. Discussions will address how Gulf capital can effectively align with ecological and economic goals of host countries, what financing and policy models are most effective, and how priorities differ across regions. This specifically pertains to how regional differences shape priorities across sectors such as aquaculture, marine transport, coastal tourism, and blue energy. Finally, it will explore how these partnerships can be made more inclusive and durable by integrating Indigenous knowledge systems, respecting ecological limits, and avoiding extractive development models.