Core Insights - The ocean economy is a vital engine for South Africa's economic growth and job creation, having attracted over $200 million in investment over the past decade and expected to contribute nearly $10 billion to the GDP by 2035 [1][2] - The South African government has initiated the "Operation Phakisa" plan to unlock the potential of the ocean economy, significantly boosting the aquaculture sector and creating over 600,000 jobs by 2035 [1][2] Investment and Economic Contribution - The ocean economy is projected to contribute 166 billion Rand (approximately $9.68 billion) to South Africa's GDP by 2035 [1] - Over the past decade, the ocean economy sector has attracted more than 4 billion Rand (approximately $234 million) in investments, with government funding drawing substantial private capital [1] Key Areas of Development - Four critical areas identified for achieving ocean economy goals include aquaculture, fisheries, coastal tourism, and marine conservation [1] - Initiatives such as the establishment of Marine Protected Areas and Marine Spatial Planning aim to balance economic activities with ecological protection [2] Employment and Community Engagement - The ocean economy is seen as a renewable source of employment, income, and economic resilience, with a commitment to benefit all South Africans [2] - The "Fishing for Freedom" initiative aims to revitalize fishing ports and create new jobs in fish processing, shipbuilding, and tourism [2]

Core Insights - The South African ocean economy is a significant driver of economic growth and employment, attracting over $200 million in investments over the past decade and expected to contribute nearly $10 billion to the GDP by 2035 [1][2] Group 1: Economic Contribution - The ocean economy is projected to contribute 166 billion rand (approximately $9.68 billion) to South Africa's GDP by 2035, creating over 600,000 jobs [1] - Key sectors for achieving this goal include aquaculture, fisheries, coastal tourism, and marine conservation [1] Group 2: Government Initiatives - The South African government launched the "Operation Phakisa" initiative in 2014 to unlock the potential of the ocean economy, significantly boosting the aquaculture sector [1] - Over the past decade, the ocean economy has attracted more than 4 billion rand (approximately $234 million) in investments, with government funding drawing substantial private capital [1] Group 3: Environmental and Community Engagement - Various measures are being implemented to advance the ocean economy, such as establishing Marine Protected Areas to enhance biodiversity and promote coastal tourism activities like diving and whale watching [2] - The "Marine Spatial Planning" initiative aims to balance economic activities with ecological protection, maximizing benefits [2] - The "Fishing for Freedom" initiative is revitalizing fishing ports and creating new jobs in fish processing, shipbuilding, and tourism [2]

Group 1 - The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) will be held from June 9 to 13, 2025, in Nice, France, focusing on "Accelerating Action, Mobilizing All Efforts to Protect and Sustainably Use the Ocean" [1] - The conference aims to promote urgent actions for ocean resource and ecosystem protection and explore innovative pathways to support Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) [1][6] - French President Macron emphasized the importance of ocean protection for carbon sinks, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of those dependent on the ocean, highlighting the need to reshape the blue economy [1] Group 2 - The "We Are Ocean" series includes key events such as the Ocean Science Conference and the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, which will address sustainable management and economic opportunities related to the ocean [3][4] - According to the OECD, the economic value of the ocean is projected to exceed $3 trillion by 2030, making it comparable to the world's fifth-largest economy, with over 150 million jobs relying on sustainable ocean-related activities [3][4] - International cooperation is essential to prevent resource depletion, mitigate ocean acidification, protect ecosystems, and reduce overfishing and pollution [3] Group 3 - The Blue Economy and Finance Forum will serve as a platform for dialogue among think tanks, policymakers, and industry leaders to promote sustainable investment practices and marine technology innovation [4][5] - A Business Ocean Alliance will be established to encourage voluntary commitments from companies to protect the ocean, alongside a philanthropic and investor alliance to provide funding for ocean conservation [5] Group 4 - UNOC3 will prioritize discussions on the effectiveness of the BBNJ agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, mobilizing funding for SDG 14, and enhancing marine scientific knowledge dissemination [6][7] - The conference agenda includes ten plenary sessions and discussions on reducing marine pollution, promoting sustainable fisheries management, and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems [7] - The expected outcome is the "Nice Ocean Action Plan," a politically endorsed declaration that will guide future ocean governance and investment [7]