IVLP Highlight: Sustainability and Economic Development in the Blue Economy | East Asia

In collaboration with American Councils for International Education and the Office of International Visitors at the U.S. Department of State, we recently implemented the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) sub-regional project Sustainability and Economic Development in the Blue Economy for 10 International Visitors from the Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Vanuatu.

With a focus on community involvement, scientific advancement and innovation, and public education, the discussions we arranged in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco, California, offered valuable perspectives on fostering a sustainable oceanic future.

Emphasizing inclusive approaches to coastal conservation, the engagements underscored the importance of empowering local stakeholders; the role of continuous scientific research to inform responsible resource management; and the significance of public education in fostering informed decision-making and stewardship.

The exchange informs future policies, business models, and collaborative efforts aimed at promoting sustainable oceanic development, underlining the importance of international partnerships in addressing shared concerns and driving positive change in the blue economy.