Blue Economy Strategies on World Water Day 2022

The Surrey Board of Trade recognized World Water Day on March 22, but it doesn't end just on this day. We need to continue to highlight the importance of water and what it means to our economy. Water is important to your home, family, livelihood, cultural practices, and to businesses. The theme this year focused on ‘groundwater – making the invisible visible.' Groundwater is invisible, but its impact is visible everywhere. Almost all of the liquid freshwater in the world is groundwater. As climate change escalates, groundwater will need focused attention by all levels of government.

“The Surrey Board of Trade asks the Federal Government, in coordination with the Provincial and Territorial Governments, to enact enabling policies that support the Blue Economy,” said Anita Huberman, President & CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “We need a blue investments private sector working group that will focus on creating new investment opportunities.”

Even though World Water Day has passed, you can still take action.

1. READ THE FEEDBACK REPORT

The Surrey Board of Trade issued recommendations to the Fisheries and Oceans Canada's (DFO) Blue Economy Strategy for Canada. The report from the Federal Government was released last week: What We Heard report. It is anticipated that the Blue Economy Strategy will be released later in 2022.

2. TAKE THE ONE MINUTE CHALLENGE

Record a 60 second video and tell us… How does groundwater affect your life? Is there enough? Is it safe? What needs to be done to protect groundwater? Share your groundwater story! Don't forget to include the hashtags #Mygroundwaterstory & #Worldwaterday, upload to Youtube or Vimeo, and send the link to mygroundwaterstory@un-igrac.org.

3. CONSIDER THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WATER RESOURCES

Canada has the longest coastline in the world and the fourth largest ocean territory. Its lakes and rivers make up a fifth of the world's surface freshwater. These natural, aquatic resources are the backbone of many Canadian communities and provincial territories.

4. UNDERSTAND SURREY BOARD OF TRADE IDEAS FOR A BLUE ECONOMY ECOSYSTEM

· Establish a Canadian accelerator program. Showcase and celebrate small-scale examples of success. These could include shoreline restoration projects as well as sea grass restoration programs. · Nationwide leadership by promoting ocean literacy.

· Incorporate oceans into municipal bonds focused on the impacts of climate change (e.g., shorelines and large-scale infrastructure), and connect marine ecosystem services to related initiatives (e.g., Municipal Natural Assets Initiative).

· Prioritize further investment to convene key nations interested in ocean restoration, ocean-based research and development, and studying the impacts of tidal energy generation on fish and sea life.

· Provide support for bi-lateral or multi-lateral projects and international agreements on preserving the ocean and important habitats (sea grass, kelp beds, coastal areas, and sustainable environment for marine life).

· Create ocean innovation accelerators.