ALIGNING EDUCATIONAL POLICIES WITH BLUE ECONOMY GOALS: A STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

Abstract

Sustainable development goals are now considered the new global standard for any country, where the concept of the “Blue Economy” has emerged as a path for nations to leverage their coastal belts and marine & maritime resources. Although Pakistan is blessed with a long coastline and a strategic position, it has the capacity to escalate its potential in diversified domains, including fisheries, coastal and marine tourism, offshore energy, and biotechnology. But unfortunately, this potential is impeded due to insufficient human capital, lack of institutional coordination, and non- existence of targeted educational mechanism which automatically hamper growth in blue economy domains. By using a literature-based approach of analysis, this study attempts to develop a strategic and targeted framework by mapping Pakistan’s educational policy and mechanisms to harmonize with blue economy targets and its relevant SDGs. This study is the amalgamation of national and international frameworks adopted by different countries to harness their blue growth, so the findings of this research will develop a transformative mechanism based on an integrated blue education policy that derives innovation, human capital, and skill development necessary to generate catalytic sustainable impact on the blue economy.