Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Government of Norway officially launched the Norway–ASEAN Collaboration on Development of Blue Economy in ASEAN in Jakarta on Monday.
The launch was followed by the ASEAN Regional Workshop on Strengthening Capacity for Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries in ASEAN.
"For Norway, sustainable ocean management and the development of a resilient blue economy are key priorities in our development policies. As a nation with a long maritime tradition, we firmly believe that longterm economic prosperity from the ocean must go hand in hand with ecosystem protection," said Mariann Ruud Hagen, Ambassador of Norway to ASEAN noted in a statement received in Jakarta, Monday.
She said that Norway's engagement is guided by their national Ocean Strategy and commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14 on Life Below Water.
Kanchana Wanichkorn, Director of Sectoral Development, ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Department, ASEAN Secretariat, highlighted: "The Blue Economy is both an engine of growth and a foundation for resilience in ASEAN, supporting Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture is one of blue priority sectors within ASEAN's Blue Economy agenda".
According to her, strengthening regional cooperation, innovation, and knowledge exchange in these sectors will be essential to advancing the ASEAN Community Vision and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), Indonesia, Arisman said that aquaculture plays a critical role in food security, livelihoods, and economic growth across ASEAN.
"As the largest aquaculture producer in ASEAN and the second-largest globally, Indonesia recognizes the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and capacity to ensure the sector remains sustainable and resilient. Through this collaboration, we aim to support knowledge sharing, promote sustainable aquaculture practices, and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy for the region," he said.
Research Director of the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Thorjørn Larssen, highlighted Norway's commitment to supporting sustainable aquaculture development in the region.
"ASEAN is home to one of the world's most dynamic aquaculture sectors. This project provides an important platform for Norway and ASEAN Member States to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and explore innovative approaches to sustainable aquaculture and fisheries," he said.
Through stronger collaboration, he continued, it can contribute to more resilient and sustainable aquaculture systems across the region.
The Norway–ASEAN Collaboration on Development of Blue Economy in ASEAN project will be implemented over two years, from 2025 to 2027, by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) in collaboration with the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), Indonesia.
The launch of the project officially marks the commencement of a series of activities aimed at strengthening regional capacity, enhancing collaboration, and supporting the development of sustainable policies and practices in ASEAN's blue economy sector.
Through this initiative, ASEAN and Norway are expected to further strengthen their partnership in advancing a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive blue economy, in line with regional and global sustainable development agendas.
Related news: Indonesia ready to invest heavily in blue economy: President
Related news: Indonesia aligns marine spatial planning with power expansion
Translator: Asri Mayang Sari Editor: M Razi Rahman Copyright © ANTARA 2026
Read the full article at Antara News →
ID