The IORA Blue Economy Core Group Workshop on Promoting Fisheries & Aquaculture and Maritime Safety & Security Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region was a landmark event aimed at harnessing the socio-economic potential of the ocean to support sustainable and inclusive growth. Held from 4–5 May 2015 in Durban, South Africa.
The workshop's primary purpose was to establish a Blue Economy Core Group of researchers to exchange innovative ideas regarding regional development. Key objectives included fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, sharing best practices in fisheries management, and co-creating strategies for maritime security to address socio-economic challenges such as poverty, food security, and unemployment.
The event was organized by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) of South Africa in partnership with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the IORA Secretariat. It received significant support from South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and was co-financed by Australia.
Participation was extensive, with representation from 15 IORA Member States, including high-level diplomats and technical experts, as well as Dialogue Partners from China, Egypt, and the USA.
The program featured six intensive sessions focused on themes such as country experiences, regional networking, and collaborative research. Key discussions addressed the need for a common definition of the Blue Economy, the impact of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and the role of maritime safety in protecting vital trade routes. A major outcome was the recommendation of priority projects for the first IORA Ministerial Blue Economy Conference, including trainers’ training programs for marine aquaculture, seafood safety workshops, and the establishment of a Maritime Safety and Security Core Group.
This workshop was directly relevant to IORA’s Blue Economy priority areas. By bridging the gap between academic research and policy formulation, the event significantly contributed to regional capacity building and laid the groundwork for long-term sustainable maritime cooperation across the Indian Ocean.
