II19 - Unlocking the Potential of the Blue Economy: Insights from Our Forum ??

Island Innovation hosted a wonderful in-person event in Madeira last week! The?Blue Economy and Sustainable Islands Forum?gathered innovators, experts and policymakers from islands from around the world, to discuss?the potential of sustainable ocean-based industries.?Here are a few highlights:

The?Regional Secretary for Sea and Fisheries of Madeira, Teófilo Cunha, and the?Alderman of the City Council of Machico, Hugo Alexandre Teixeira Marques?delivered the opening remarks. Thereafter, we discussed island to island collaboration, the implications of deep seabed mining in the Portuguese marine ecosystem and responsible whale watching. Later in the day, we exchanged on island policies for sustainable blue economy, sustainable practices in tourism and research & development for climate action & sustainable oceans.

During the Forum's last day, we had a great discussion with?Hon. Steven Myers, Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action of Prince Edward Island, Canada.?Moreover, we participated in a wonderful?workshop during which we had to brainstorm and present solutions for blue economy problems in Macaronesia.?We ended the?Blue Economy and Sustainable Islands Forum?with a special showcase of?5 innovative startups in the sector.

This week's highlights

Exhibition honors Caribbean children left behind by post-World War II migrants

Curator Nadine White said that while much has been written about the trailblazing pioneers who departed from the Caribbean to contribute to British life, the stories of their children who were left behind are often overlooked. In many cases, the parents left their children at home in the care of relatives because they initially believed they would merely be working away for a few years and return after earning good money abroad.

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A gallery’s new island residency in the Philippines focuses on sustainability and the local community

Manila-based art gallery Silverlens is launching an artist residency on an island in the southern Philippines, where residents will use found materials to create public art installations.?

The Lubi Art Residency takes its name from the Visayan word for coconut and is held at the Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort on Kopiat Island in the Davao Gulf, which until the 1990s was largely agricultural.?

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Other island stories

??El Ni?o’s Surprising Lifeline: Ocean Current Safeguards Pacific Island Reefs?

??Efforts to revitalise island populations off Ireland

??Ten young poets from the Caribbean showcased their work at the Paris Poetry Market

??Paving the Way for Community-led Initiatives on Flinders Island

??Championing change: Local charities and community groups gather at Isle of Wight event

??Unlocking Climate Resilience in Small Island Nations

Partner in-person event: Engineering and Procurement Conference & Exhibition

Join us at the upcoming?Engineering and Procurement Conference & Exhibition, taking place from?July 23rd to July 27th, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad and Tobago.?This premier event is centered around the theme "Powering Transition in the Caribbean Energy Sector through Smart Designs, Efficient Procurement, and Effective Execution."

Engage with industry experts, network with thought leaders, and explore innovative solutions driving the energy transition in the Caribbean. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a dynamic conference that tackles the pressing challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. Mark your calendars and join us for an inspiring and impactful event!

Visit the website to?Learn more about the event!?II?Book Accommodations

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