Minister: Blue Economy Can Rise Aquatic Products Value Added

Jakarta, Nov 27 (ANTARA) - Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sharif Cicip Sutardjo said on Monday the application of the so-called "blue economy" concept will increase the value added of Indonesia`s aquatic products. "The principles of "blue economy" can highly be applied to the development of the maritime and fishery sector so it will increase the value added of aquatic products," he said in a written statement. The application of the "blue economy" will have an impact on the rising income of those engaged in the marine and fishery sector without destroying the environment, he said. Realizing that Indonesia which is made up of more than 17,000 islands is the world`s largest maritime nation, he said the concept serves as a reference for the development of the marine and fishery sector which is based on an integrated waters management program. The principles of the "blue economy", coupled with the strategy of marine and fishery industry will also accommodate the fishermen`s interests, he said. "The two policies will strengthen the bargaining power of fishermen," he said. He said that the development of the marine and fishery sector refers to balance between global growth and environment-oriented development. As a concrete step to implement the concept, the ministry had held a focus group discussion (FDG) to strengthen and improve the people`s knowledge of the "blue economy", the minister said. The event featured marine and fishery experts including the initiator of the "blue economy" concept, Gunter Pauli of Belgium.