The ASEAN Blue Economy Framework

The ASEAN Blue Economy Framework builds on the momentum of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the Blue Economy, which was adopted at the 38th ASEAN Summits in October 2021.

Under Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2023, the Framework was formalized as a comprehensive guide to operationalize that vision.

It reflects a shift from sectoral approaches to integrated, cross-sectoral cooperation, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Whilst recognizing the diversity of approaches and definitions, the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework defines the blue economy as follows:

ASEAN defines the Blue Economy as an integrated, holistic, cross-sectoral, and cross stakeholder approach that creates value-added and value-chain of resources from oceans, seas, and fresh water in an inclusive and sustainable way, making the blue economy the new engine for ASEAN’s future economic growth. The ASEAN Blue Economy covers upstream downstream sectors, serving as an accelerator of the conventional marine sector such as fisheries, aquaculture, fish-only processing, and tourism and a catalyst for emerging sectors such as renewable energy, biotechnology, and marine and freshwater-based research and education as well as other emerging sectors from aquatic resources. (ASEAN Blue Economy Framework, 2023 p3-4)

The Framework positions the blue economy as a new engine of growth aligned with global commitments like the UN SDGs and UNCLOS. The frameworks objectives are to:

  • Drive inclusive & sustainable growth – supported by a cross-sectoral and stakeholder approach and value chain creation.

  • Build a shared understanding of the blue economy and provide a foundation for regional action to maximise economic potential and support collaboration across key domains – from ecosystem protection and IUU fishing to blue innovation, climate resilience, and value chain development.

  • Provide a non-binding foundation for continuous dialogue and coordination among ASEAN Member States and partners.

The ASEAN Blue Economy Framework is guided by the following overarching principles;

Value Creation

Promote circular economy models, trade efficiency, and sustainable resource use.

Inclusivity

Engage all stakeholders, especially MSMEs and local and coastal communities.

Sustainability

Protect ecosystems, mitigate climate risks, and ensure equitable benefits (social sustainability).

Guided by these principles the Framework suggests three blue strategies

1.

Blue Conservation Management

This strategy aims to foster resilience and ecosystem health through carbon-neutral practices, pollution control, and disaster risk reduction.

2.

Blue Science, Technology, and Innovation

This strategy aims to leverage digital platforms, AI, blockchain, and collaborative research to enhance value chain efficiency and regional knowledge.

3.

Blue Priority Sectors

This strategy seeks to support both traditional sectors (fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, maritime transport) and emerging ones (renewables, biotechnology, desalination).

Finally, the strategy identifies a number of enablers, which will support the development and growth of the ASEAN Blue Economy. They include:

  • Infrastructure: Sustainable investment in ports, coastal protection, and supply chains.

  • Institutional Setting: Accountability, governance frameworks, taskforces, and inter-sectoral coordination.

  • Cooperation & Capacity Building: Skill development, vocational training, and think tank networks.

  • Sustainable Finance: Blue bonds, impact investment, and blended finance mechanisms.

Implementation Timeline.

ASEAN Blue Economy Timeline Timeline from 2021 to 2026 with fixed text sizing. 2021 ASEAN Leaders Declaration on the Blue Economy A region-wide political commitment to advancing the Blue Economy. 2023 ASEAN Blue Economy Framework Comprehensive guide to operationalise the Leaders Declaration. 2025 ASEAN Blue Economy Implementation Plan Translation of ABEF Blue Strategies into 5 Outcomes and 16 activities, with supporting initiatives based on our blue capital lens. Blue priority sectors identified for each capital. 2026 ASEAN Blue Economy Implementation Road Map Detailed action plan to operationalise and enable the implementation plan. Defines actions, performance measures and responsibilities. A living document.

Implementation Timeline.

ASEAN Blue Economy Timeline (Mobile Vertical) Vertical timeline for mobile with flowing text blocks. 2021

ASEAN Leaders Declaration on the Blue Economy

A region-wide political commitment to advancing the Blue Economy.

 2023

ASEAN Blue Economy Framework

Comprehensive guide to operationalise the Leaders Declaration.

 2025

ASEAN Blue Economy Implementation Plan

Translation of ABEF Blue Strategies into five outcomes and fifteen activities, supported by initiatives based on the blue capital lens. Blue priority sectors are identified for each capital.

2026

ASEAN Blue Economy Implementation Road Map

Detailed action plan to operationalise and enable the Implementation Plan, defining actions, responsibilities and performance measures as a living document.