Australian High Commission launches Blue Economy Challenge

The Australian High Commission launched the Blue Economy Challenge at a function at Australia House in Colombo on 3 March. An Australian Government initiative, the AUD$ 3 million Blue Economy Challenge calls for innovators, entrepreneurs, designers, NGOs and academics from across the Indian Ocean region to rethink approaches in aquaculture to provide solutions that ensure both economic development and environmental sustainability.

The launch brought together a wide cross-section of Sri Lankan government, business and development partners including Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Primary Industries Daya Gamage and Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva, to discuss possibilities for improving sustainable aquaculture. 

Addressing his first official function in Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Bryce Hutchesson highlighted the strong commercial and development relationship between Australia and Sri Lanka in aquaculture and the significant potential for growth in this sector.

Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector in the world, tripling in size the past 20 years and has great potential to contribute to food security, nutrition, livelihoods and economic growth, particularly in the Indian Ocean. Australia is proud to be launching the Blue Economy Challenge to help Sri Lanka and other countries in the Indian Ocean region reach this potential.

The selection process for the Blue Economy Challenge is competitive and open across the Indian Ocean region. If you have a creative idea to help improve aquaculture, take up the challenge! Get in touch via the website http://theblueeconomychallenge.org.