06/08/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/08/2025 12:01
UNDP Bangladesh is actively championing the Blue Economy, implementing a diverse portfolio of initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable marine resource use, empowering coastal communities, and promoting environmental stewardship. These efforts span innovative livelihood solutions, marine conservation, waste management, and significant policy contributions.
A cornerstone of UNDP's approach is the diversification of livelihoods for coastal communities. Experimental seaweed cultivation has offered fisher families an alternative income source, promoting sustainable marine resource use and contributing to the blue economy. Similarly, innovation in the dried fish sector has focused on improving product quality, hygiene standards, and market access, both domestically and internationally, to integrate coastal communities into global value chains and promote blue tourism. Furthermore, sustainable pearl farming has been introduced as a climate-smart solution to empower vulnerable fishing communities, reducing their overdependence on traditional fishing and contributing to economic diversification. Focusing on gender equity, UNDP also promotes women-led initiatives in sustainable coastal livelihoods, enhancing resilience, reducing poverty, and increasing women's participation in decision-making within fishing communities.
Marine conservation and waste management are critical components of UNDP's blue economy interventions. The organization has combined behavioral science with community engagement to protect endangered sea turtles through awareness campaigns and local stewardship. To further raise awareness on marine conservation, UNDP organized a release of sea turtle hatchlings on Earth Day in Cox's Bazar, emphasizing the importance of protecting endangered species and engaging the public in ocean stewardship. Collaborative waste clean-up campaigns, such as "Saint Martin's Clean Sweep," have mobilized community members, tourists, and local authorities to tackle marine litter, promoting environmental awareness and sustainable island tourism. Additionally, UNDP has empowered coastal fishers to lead grassroots innovations in marine litter management, including waste collection and recycling, which helps protect marine ecosystems and strengthens local ownership.
Policy Influence and Sustainable Financing
At the national level, UNDP has significantly contributed to:
The development of the National Blue Economy Action Plan, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Organizing a national dialogue on Blue Bonds, in partnership with UNEP-PEA4SDGs and the General Economics Division, to promote innovative financing mechanisms for marine-based sustainable development. This initiative addresses Bangladesh's estimated USD 928 billion SDG financing gap by exploring blue bonds as tools for funding sustainable fisheries, offshore energy, and waste management.
Global Leadership at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference
UNDP will play a leading role at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) in Nice, France (9-13 June), reinforcing its global commitment to the Ocean Promise-a flagship initiative advancing equitable and sustainable ocean-based livelihoods.
Key highlights include:
Active participation in the One Ocean Science Congress and high-level side events on ocean finance, blue economy innovation, and nature-positive solutions.
Promotion of strategic initiatives like the Ocean Innovation Challenge, Blue and Green Island Integrated Programme, and Global Fund for Coral Reefs.
The announcement of the UNDP-The Ocean Cleanup Grand Challenge 2025, mobilizing global citizen scientists to address plastic pollution and support data-driven policymaking.
Through this integrated, community-centric, and policy-aligned approach, UNDP Bangladesh is contributing to a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Blue Economy-benefiting both people and the planet.