Coastal Livelihoods and Sea Sustainability in the Blue Economy

An Introductory Reflection

Abstract

This special issue focuses on how the Blue Economy development model impacts on coastal livelihoods and sea sustainability in Tanzania. The Blue Economy discourse tends to be framed in optimistic rhetoric of new opportunities for development, promising a triple-win scenario of economic growth, improved livelihood and marine protection. But socioeconomic realities on the ground offer a more nuanced appraisal of the challenges and opportunities involved. This multidisciplinary special issue interrogates critical aspects of development in the Blue Economy, focusing on both social and environmental sustainability. The articles draw on recently concluded empirical research on how coastal communities relate to the ocean, as part of the research project Swahili Ocean Worlds. Fishing Communities and Sea Sustainability in Tanzania (2022–2024). The studies presented here cover a variety of topics explored by the research team: coastal livelihoods, women’s narratives and inclusion, aquaculture and entrepreneurship, changing fishing practices and cultural expressions of music. When analysing their findings, the authors draw on their knowledge in the disciplines of anthropology, creative arts, development studies, geography and sociology, thus contributing to the oceanic turn in social sciences.

https://dx.doi.org/10.56279/NJIY8787/TJDS.v23i1.1