II133 - Islanders are gathering in Madeira for the Blue Economy and Sustainable Islands Forum ??

The?Blue Economy and Sustainable Islands Forum ?took place on June 22-23, 2023 at the Fórum Machico on Madeira Island. The Island Innovation team, represented by CEO?James Ellsmoor, Director of Innovation Programs & Events?Kata Magyar, and Social Media Manager?Maria Jo?o Aguiar, arrived a few days ago. They are ready to welcome the diverse set of island representatives and innovators joining from across the world, including Cabo Verde, Seychelles, Prince Edward Island (Canada), Madeira, Whidbey and Camano Islands (USA), Bonaire, Malta, Cura?ao, Azores, Ireland and beyond.

Opportunities for Startups in the Blue Economy Space

The World Bank defines the Blue Economy as?“the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health”?(World Bank and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2017).

Such a lofty definition is appropriate, because the Blue Economy is an increasingly multidimensional space with many opportunities for innovative thinkers to advance sustainable and equitable economic and social goals. A concept of the 21st century, the Blue Economy covers three broad economic dimensions:?coping with the global water crisis, innovative development and the marine economy.?Within these fora, Blue Economy scholars put forth models that shift the focal point of contemporary resource management.

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This article was written by Island Innovation Fellow, Brianna Thompson.

Upcoming Island Innovation Virtual Events

Virtual Island Summit 2023

As every year, Island Innovation's flagship event,?the Virtual Island Summit ?will gather over 100 speakers and 10,000 attendees (policymakers, academics, NGO leaders, entrepreneurs, etc), from around the world, to share their expertise on topics pertinent to island communities.

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Island Pavilion @COP28

COP28 ?is a critical moment in global transformative climate action. We plan to create an “Island Pavilio n” where we will share key insights and developments related to remote, rural and island communities. We want to ensure that your communities are represented and that relevant information is made available to you.?

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This week's highlights

Fraser Island no more: K’gari’s official name change corrects a historic wrong

For almost 200 years, the world’s largest sand island has been known as Fraser Island. But for the Butchulla people, it has and always will be known as K’gari.

On Wednesday, hundreds of traditional owners gathered in the ancient forests of K’gari as rain drenched the sand, washing away the island’s colonial title.

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Canary Islands: An Emerging Global Animation Hub Built From Almost Scratch

In the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands is rapidly becoming a global animation force. “Tara Duncan,” has charmed audiences via the Disney Channel, “Arcane,” which also uses a Canary Islands service studio, is one of the biggest shows on the planet, and the merchandise of “Miraculous Ladybug,” is seen everywhere.

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Other island stories

??How the EU Is Helping Power its Islands’ Green Transition

??Small Island Developing States at Nexus of Climate, Unhealthy Foods and Mental Health Challenges

??Hurricane Maria was a once-in-a-lifetime storm for Dominica. It might be the norm

??Norvento building 7-turbine wind park on Portugal’s Corvo Island

??Harnessing traditional knowledge for climate resilience in the Pacifi

??Remote island to get broadband link from space

Thank you for reading! See you next week! ???