The University of Wollongong’s Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) and the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre have been selected to develop the ASEAN Blue Economy Implementation Plan (2026-2030), supported by the Government of Australia through the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative (Aus4ASEAN Futures).
This significant project will establish a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable ocean-based economic development across the ASEAN region over the next five years.
The partnership brings together ANCORS’ deep expertise in ocean law, maritime security and marine policy with the Blue Economy CRC’s industry-focused research and technical capabilities across aquaculture, renewable ocean energy, and sustainable governance of maritime sectors.
ASEAN Blue Economy Team in Kota Kinabalu This Week
This week, Associate Professor Michelle Voyer from ANCORS and Kelly Hoareau from the Blue Economy CRC, travelled to Kota Kinabalu to present the project at an ASEAN Blue Economy Taskforce session. The team outlined their approach to developing the implementation plan, which includes comprehensive stakeholder consultation across all ASEAN member states.
The project assesses the current state of blue economy development in the region, identifies opportunities and challenges, and creates actionable national, sector and cluster strategies for sustainable ocean-based growth that balances economic development with environmental protection and social equity.
Work on the 12-month project has already begun, with delivery of the final implementation plan expected in early 2026.
