The concepts of blue
and green economy is quite new. However, as time goes by, they continue to
gain significance all over the world as many nations are fighting towards
achieving sustainable development. In Kenya, the Cabinet Secretary for Mining,
Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs is Hassan Ali Joho as nominated by President
William Ruto.
The online dictionary defines blue economy as an economic system or sector that seeks to conserve marine and freshwater environments while using them in a sustainable way to develop economic growth and produce resources such as energy and food. Additionally, the World Bank defines the blue economy as the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem while the European Commission regards blue economy as "All economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts.
On the other hand, the online dictionary defines the green economy as “an economic system or sector that is based on or guided by environmentalist principles.” According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “A green economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcity.”
These two economic paradigms create opportunities and
difficulties for Kenya as the country strives to exploit its natural
resources while preserving the environment and promoting economic progress. In
this article, we will be exploring the difference between the Blue Economy and
the Green Economy in Kenya, stressing their importance, promise, and challenges.
Understanding the Blue Economy in Kenya
The Blue Economy also referred to as ocean economy is an element of green economy that refers to the use of ocean resources
sustainably for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs creation while
still conserving ocean ecosystems. In Kenya, the Blue Economy is made up of
different activities such as fishing, maritime transport, tourism, offshore
energy, and aquaculture. Kenya has more than 500km coastline that stretches
along the Indian Ocean making it a country that is advantaged in leveraging the
opportunities presented by the blue economy.
Key Factors Making up the Blue Economy in Kenya
- Fisheries
and Aquaculture: The large Kenyan coast is affluent of marine
biodiversity which in turn offers a treasured resource for fisheries and
aquaculture in Mombasa and its neighboring regions. The fishing industry
contributes significantly to the economy of the nation. Research shows
that the fishing industry injects 0.7% of the total Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) and 2% of the national export earnings. Major challenges
facing this sector of blue economy are overfishing and illegal fishing
practices which need to be addressed by the government.
- Maritime
Transport: Kenya is strategically located having a large coast region
which makes it a hub for maritime transport. Its coast is considered the
busiest in the entire east Africa. It is thus the responsibility of the
government to improve the port in order to take full advantage of the blue
economy.
- Coastal Tourism: Kenyan coasts are famous for the beaches, coral reefs and marine life. Coastal tourism is part of the Blue Economy that attracts both local and international tourists. But tourism must be managed well to avoid environmental degradation.
- Offshore
Energy: Kenya’s offshore areas have potential for renewable energy
like wind and wave energy. Developing this can add to the country’s energy
mix and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
Understanding the Green Economy in Kenya
The Green Economy
is an economic model that reduces environmental risks and ecological scarcities
to achieve sustainable development according to vision 2030. In Kenya, the
Green Economy means initiatives to conserve natural resources, reduce carbon
emissions and promote eco-friendly practices across different industries or
rather sectors.
Key Components of the Green Economy in Kenya
- Renewable Energy: Renewable Energy: Kenya has made great strides in adopting renewable energy sources like solar, wind and geothermal. The country’s vast geothermal potential in the Rift Valley has made her a leader in geothermal energy production in the entire continent. Blue economy can be supported by investing in renewable energy reduces carbon emissions and increases energy security.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, employs a big chunk of the country’s population. The Green Economy promotes sustainable agricultural practices that minimize environmental impacts and increase food security. Agroforestry, organic farming and water efficient irrigation are key in this.
- Forest Conservation: Forests are key to biodiversity conservation and climate regulation. Kenya is actively involved in afforestation and reforestation to combat deforestation and promote sustainable land use. Protecting forests is critical to maintaining ecosystem services and supporting local communities.
- Waste
Management: one of the key considerations of the green economy is efficient
waste management. However, Kenya still faces challenges associated with
management of waste from waste generation to disposal. The situation is
even worse in urban areas. Therefore, there is need to put in place practices
for recycling waste and converting waste to energy. This will help a great
deal in avoiding environmental pollution while at the same time creating
opportunities for economic development.
Blue Economy vs Green Economy: A Comparison
Both Blue Economy and Green Economy are about sustainable
development but they differ in scope and focus. Blue Economy targets marine and
coastal resources, harnessing the potential of oceans and seas for economic
growth. Green Economy covers a wider range of sectors, energy, agriculture,
forestry and waste management with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and
conserving terrestrial ecosystems.
Economic potential
The Blue Economy has huge economic potential for Kenya given
our marine resources. It can create jobs, reduce poverty and diversify the
economy. But to realize this potential we need to address overfishing, marine
pollution and inadequate infrastructure.
On the other hand the Green Economy offers opportunities for
sustainable growth across multiple sectors. By transitioning to renewable
energy, promoting sustainable agriculture and conserving forests Kenya can
reduce its environmental footprint and increase resilience to climate change.
The Green Economy can also drive innovation and technological advancement, a
more sustainable and inclusive economy.
Environmental Sustainability
Both Blue Economy and Green Economy are about environmental
sustainability but with different focus areas. Blue Economy focuses on
conservation of marine ecosystems, sustainable fishing practices and
responsible coastal tourism. Protecting marine biodiversity and habitats is key
to healthy ocean ecosystems.
Green Economy focuses on reducing carbon emissions,
conserving terrestrial ecosystems and promoting eco-friendly practices. By
adopting sustainable land management practices and transitioning to clean
energy sources Kenya can mitigate climate change impacts and conserve natural
resources.
Challenges and Opportunities of Blue Economy in Kenya
Both Blue Economy and Green Economy present challenges and opportunities for Kenya. In Blue Economy challenges such as overfishing, pollution and inadequate infrastructure must be addressed for sustainable growth. But investments in marine research, technology and capacity building can unlock Blue Economy potential that will help the country a great deal.
Challenges and Opportunities of Green Economy in Kenya
In Green Economy transitioning to sustainable practices
requires policy support, financial investment and public awareness. Kenya’s
commitment to renewable energy and sustainable agriculture is a good start but
more needs to be done to scale up and make it inclusive.
Summary
In summary Blue Economy and Green Economy are two different
but complementary pathways for Kenya’s sustainable development. By using our
marine and terrestrial resources responsibly we can have economic growth,
environmental conservation and social well-being. We need to balance the two
economies’ priorities by working together government, private sector and civil
society to build a sustainable future for the country.
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