New Cooperation Agreement Between the Ministry of Marine Resources and UNDP to Advance Libya’s Blue Economy
TRIPOLI – In a significant move toward economic diversification and environmental stewardship, the Libyan Ministry of Marine Resources and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement establishes a formal framework to advance Libya’s “Blue Economy,” prioritizing sustainable development, robust governance, and the protection of the nation’s vital marine ecosystems.
Strategic Framework for Economic Diversification
With an extensive Mediterranean coastline, Libya is uniquely positioned to leverage marine resources to drive economic growth and reduce reliance on traditional sectors. The partnership focuses on a comprehensive set of objectives designed to transition from policy planning to operational implementation:
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Strategic Governance: Development and implementation of a National Blue Economy Strategy.
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Institutional Capacity: Strengthening national institutions to effectively oversee and regulate the marine sector.
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Sustainable Industries: Advancing aquaculture and fostering the development of sustainable economic value chains.
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Environmental Resilience: Implementing nature-based solutions for the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems.
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Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Enhancing national marine research capabilities and data systems.
Collaborative Foundations
This MoU builds upon sustained engagement between the UNDP, the Ministry of Economy and Trade, and the National Blue Economy Committee. Over the past year, these stakeholders conducted a series of national workshops to identify economic opportunities, define critical challenges, and establish the foundational requirements for a national strategy. This initiative is further supported by the Government of Italy, reflecting a commitment to regional economic stability and environmental sustainability.
Leadership Perspectives
The signing ceremony underscored a unified commitment to integrating environmental protection with economic development.
H.E. Adel Sultan, Minister of Marine Resources, stated:
This agreement marks an important step in strengthening the sustainable management of Libya’s marine resources, in line with our national priorities of economic diversification, food security, and environmental protection. It reflects our commitment to modernizing the sector, enhancing governance, and creating new opportunities for local economic development. Through this partnership, we aim to translate our vision for the Blue Economy into concrete programmes that deliver tangible benefits for Libya’s economy and coastal communities.
Dr. Sophie Kemkhadze, UNDP Resident Representative in Libya, added:
Libya’s future growth depends on how effectively we manage and invest in our natural resources. The Blue Economy offers a pathway to diversify the economy while protecting marine ecosystems and creating new opportunities for communities along the coast. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to move from strategy to implementation, building on the strong foundations already established with national partners
By aligning policy development with technical support, investment pathways, and scientific research, the partnership aims to operationalize the Blue Economy agenda. This collaborative effort serves as a critical step in Libya’s transition toward a more resilient, diversified, and sustainable economic model, ensuring that long-term development remains in harmony with the conservation of the Mediterranean environment.
New Cooperation Agreement Between the Ministry of Marine Resources and UNDP to Advance Libya’s Blue Economy
