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Role of the mass media in the sustainability of blue economy in Nigeria
Abstract
In recent years, the blue economy has gained significant economic momentum in many countries as a viable means of sustainable economic growth and development while engendering the sustainability of the ecosystem. Consequently, the blue economy is now acknowledged as a veritable means of boosting the socioeconomic growth and development of a country without jeopardizing the sustainability of the ocean and other water bodies. This study examines the potential of the blue economy in Nigeria and the benefits accruable to it if it is properly harnessed. It also highlights the role of the mass media in setting the agenda for public discourse and carrying out developmental functions by creating awareness and educating the citizenry on the numerous opportunities and benefits of the blue economy and the importance of maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem. The study adopted literature-based research as its methodology. Furthermore, the study anchored on the Agenda-Setting Theory and the Development Media Theory as its theoretical approach. Findings revealed that the majority of the Nigerian population, especially those inhabiting the riverine areas and the ocean coastline, are ignorant of the potential of the blue economy in spite of their unfettered access to the marine ecosystem through the expansive inland rivers and the Atlantic Ocean. Findings further revealed that the government has a share of the blame due to the absence of specific policies and programs that will bring the economic benefits of the blue economy to the fore.
The Nigerian blue economy is considered new, owing to the fact that it has not been fully explored and developed. However, it shows huge prospects and potential that is capable of impacting the Nigerian economy in so many ways. Its sectors consist of fisheries and aquaculture, maritime transport and shipping, offshore energy, tourism and coastal recreation, marine biotechnology, maritime security, seabed mining, maritime and coast infrastructure, and also marine environmental service. Its prospects is demonstrated in economic diversification, employment opportunities, food security, renewable energy potential, enhanced maritime trade, and environmental sustainability. the opportunities it provides are numerous including expansion of maritime trade, fisheries and aquaculture development, offshore renewable energy, coastal tourism and recreation, job creation, maritime security services, and international collaboration. However, it brings challenges such as illegal maritime activities, inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, lack of policy and regulatory frameworks, overfishing and unsustainable practices, limited investment, inadequate skilled workforce, and security concerns. In its quest to attain sustainability, frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN SDGs), The Paris Agreement on Climate Change, The Green New Deal (Global and Regional), The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992), Sustainable Fisheries and Blue Economy Policies, and The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) are further taken into consideration, which help in providing policy frameworks for different implementation. The methodology approach used is a systematic literature review
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