Human beings possess a fundamental characteristic: their ability to adapt to their environment. People of Caribbean descent are no exception to this rule, but they must strike a balance between land and sea, as they are the product of the interplay and complementarity between these two environments.
While the Caribbean’s land areas offer many advantages, the Caribbean Sea—which was long viewed as a barrier—is gradually coming to be seen as a vast reservoir of biodiversity, a source of life, but also a foundation for a development that is anticipated, dreamed of—a development that is… potentially sustainable.
While everyone agrees that this development is possible, there is also unanimous agreement that it will only truly be possible once the pressure exerted on the environment is brought under control; in other words, once human impact is no longer perceived as a threat but as a means of contributing to development.
We must therefore do everything in our power to protect this ecosystem and turn it into a treasure trove of biodiversity; for if we merely point out problems without ever providing solutions, its biological diversity will eventually dwindle, and our dreams of development will come to nothing.
A Blue Economy to Preserve Biodiversity
The transition from a traditional economy centered on seafood (a linear economy: I take, I consume, I discard!) to a blue economy implies a radical shift in mindset and operations, making room for imagination and innovation, where nutrition and well-being could become the driving forces behind this new model based on the responsible use of marine biodiversity. Thus, the creation of marine biological or biochemical industries could enable researchers to harness molecules extracted from underwater flora and fauna to supply the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and agri-food sectors.
Furthermore, we should encourage the sustainable use of resources and, therefore, engage in the reintroduction of endangered species: reintroducing the conch, replanting or propagating corals, allowing sea urchins to thrive so that as many people as possible can benefit, expanding the production of sea cucumbers (so prized in Asian cuisine), etc. Why not also promote the development of the pearl industry and shellfish farming (in conjunction with local crafts)? Let’s remember that the first inhabitants of our territories already used mangrove oysters for their daily consumption, while their women adorned themselves with them to enhance their beauty.
As part of ongoing efforts to identify new avenues for development, marine renewable energy sources should also be strongly supported: ocean thermal energy, tidal energy, wave energy, and tidal current energy… Why not consider, for example, installing tidal turbines near the canals in Dominica and Saint Lucia?
On another note, the Caribbean region’s appeal could grow if, for example, wellness-oriented beach resorts were developed there; let’s not forget that in tourists’ minds, the tropics go hand in hand with leisure, relaxation, and therefore well-being…
At the same time, genuine efforts to raise awareness of marine culture should help foster the Caribbean population’s interest in this environment, which has long been ignored or even scorned. This could be supported by educational and university programs tailored to the needs of the regions concerned. This has already been initiated in Central America with a “University of the Sea” project.
Some will cry out: “UTOPIA!” But don’t we need to dream in order to move forward? Don’t we need to dream in order to create, to build? So let’s dream!
Let us dream that tomorrow the Caribbean—with its rich array of unique characteristics, diversity, and contradictions—will rise to the challenge of unity and transform the waters that surround it into the crucible of its development… a development grounded in the blue economy.
By Virginie BELIBI and Pascal SAFFACHE
