By: Rylan J. Command, OFI, Memorial University

“Blue Economy” and “Blue Growth” discourse is often dominated by language of sustainable development. Opportunities exist for discussion about who will be affected and excluded from development, and whether processes and outcomes are desirable, equitable, or just. Communicating and working together across boundaries and disciplines is essential to advance Blue Justice. At the recent MARE Conference, OFI researchers presented their work on equity and justice for Canada's Blue Economy in two parts. In the second set of presentations, researchers shared diverse perspectives on grounding a shared understanding of sustainable development in principles of justice and transdisciplinarity. 

By: Rylan J. Command, OFI, Memorial University

Blue Economy and Blue Growth are presented as transformative approaches to sustainable development, but social science scholars and practitioners are anticipating these approaches will bring about injustice and inequities. Blue Economy and Blue Growth narratives are often vague and include tension among economic development, social objectives, and conservation. At the centre of this tension are the people who have been, and continue to be, marginalized by Growth and Economy narratives around the world, including in Atlantic Canada. At the recent MARE conference, OFI researchers presented their work on equity and justice for Canada’s Blue Economy in two parts. The first presentations revealed challenges and opportunities for equity and justice amid Blue Economy discourse.