UNDP Libya reported last Thursday (22 October) that on 18 October in Benghazi, national institutions, universities, municipalities, businesses and civil society came together in a workshop to help shape Libya’s first National Blue Economy Strategy.
It said this comes as part of efforts to unlocking the potential of Libya’s coastline.
The UNDP said Libya’s coastline offers opportunities to create jobs, strengthen coastal livelihoods and support sustainable economic growth while protecting marine ecosystems.
Co-organized by UNDP Libya, the National Blue Economy Committee, the University of Benghazi and the Libyan Society of Artisanal Fishery Friends, with support from the Government of Italy, the workshop reviewed findings from the national blue economy study and explored strategic priorities across seven pillars.
These are:
1. Marine conservation
2. Coastal tourism
3. Marine energy
4. Fisheries
5. Aquaculture
6. Water resources, including desalination and wastewater management
7. Marine transportation and transit
Across these pillars, discussions emphasized economic diversification, employment and livelihoods, environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
The UNDP said the outcomes of the workshop will inform the draft strategy and guide further consultations, with national partners working towards its adoption in early 2027.