The term “Blue Economy” is a fairly new concept conceived at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development held in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012. This is an economic model for development that prioritizes the sustainable use of the ocean and its resources. While this concept was developed to take the concerns of nations with coastlines into consideration, it is not an entirely new frontier with its applicability having been in existence for years. As a Program Manager at The Blue Economy Support Center, Albert Mwamburi is one of the professionals championing the implementation of The Blue Economy frameworks in Kenya.
A Coastal Upbringing
Having grown up in the coastal city of Mombasa, Albert has always had a profound appreciation for the ocean. His fondest childhood memories involve a trip to the beach or simply a shared seafood meal with family. In 2009, he left his idyllic coastal home to study Economics at the University of Nairobi. As he went through his tertiary education and even began his career in the banking sector, he hoped for an opportunity that would lead him back to his roots.
In 2018, Albert came across a job vacancy in a hydrogeology startup. The call was for a field economist who could travel around the coast identifying the water needs of communities and finding solutions through groundwater surveys. Albert applied and was accepted into the position. Beyond giving him the chance to explore the coastal region, this job also introduced Albert to The Blue Economy concept as he interacted with communities that depended on the ocean for their daily bread.
Sustainable Use of Marine Resources for Economic Growth
Through his work, he was exposed to the challenges facing marine and coastal ecosystems. Marine life was being depleted due to destructive fishing practices, land-based activities were polluting the oceans, and small-scale farmers had inadequate access to markets. Albert also realized that there was a gap in knowledge transfer from the policymakers to the communities whom these policies impact. Eager to delve deeper into tackling these issues, Albert joined The Blue Economy Support Center as a Program Manager.
Not only has this role enabled Albert to fully re-immerse himself in coastal living, but it has also given him the platform to advocate the needs of fisherfolk. Albert implements Blue Economy concepts discussed in boardrooms on the ground as he works with local communities to protect and restore marine ecosystems. He also sensitizes these communities about Blue Economy frameworks so they can better identify and call attention to issues that may crop up. In addition, Albert works with students preparing for careers in the maritime field to find practical applications of the theories taught in class.
Improving Livelihoods of Coastal Communities
For Albert, the biggest task at hand is ensuring that coastal communities that live off ocean resources are equipped with skills and equipment to grow their income sustainably. This means finding other income streams that can sustain fisherfolk during low fishing seasons, lobbying for more employment opportunities for Kenyans aboard foreign ships plying Kenyan waters, and even improving education access for those who wish to join the maritime industry.
Through his work, Albert champions the empowerment of the community he grew up in. He is committed to ensuring that smaller stakeholders in the maritime sector also receive a slice of the pie and are actors in the development of the industry. For giving a voice to this community, we celebrate him as one of #OurGoalGetters.