Methodological assistance for the outermost regions to support their efforts to develop blue economy strategies
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The European Union counts nine Outermost Regions (ORs) of which six are French (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion and Saint-Martin), one is Spanish (Canary Islands), and two are Portuguese (The Azores and Madeira). These regions share in the same rights and obligations of the European Treaties; however, each OR faces a unique set of challenges that differentiates it from other regions in Europe. The ORs share some common challenges ranging from higher levels of unemployment to heightened risk from climate change. However, the differences in the challenges they face are as varied as the expansive winding rivers of the Amazonian hinterlands of French Guiana to the island lagoon of Mayotte. Recognising these challenges, the European Union has been dedicated to supporting and accompanying the outermost regions in their sustainable development. Among a host of initiatives, most recently the new Von der Leyen Commission has launched its European Green Deal, which in its commitment to tackling environmental-related challenges is particularly important to the ORs that are facing the brunt of climate challenge. The EU has been working with the ORs to develop economic activities that can sustainably address these challenges head-on. Important to realising the Commission’s priorities are the sustainable development of the OR’s blue economy. The blue economy, which covers “all economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts,” is the lifeblood of the economic activities of the ORs. Sustainably developing blue economy activities ranging from traditional sectors such as fishing and ports to emerging sectors such as marine renewable energy and biopharmaceuticals is a priority of DG MARE. In recent years, emphasis has been placed on developing a comprehensive and inclusive blue economy strategy to structure the sector in the ORs. Indeed COM (2017) 623 final, “A Stronger and Renewed Strategic partnership with the EU's Outermost Regions, made calls for the ORs to develop their own blue economy strategies. It is important to note that this study has been conducted prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis. Nevertheless, the methodological approach proposed remain valid, as well as the recommendations that do not predict choices that each outermost region shall made.