Maritime Environment Policy and Law

UNDP and Libya’s Ministry of Marine Resources Sign MoU to Strengthen Blue Economy Development and Maritime Sustainability

The Libya Blue Economy, Mediterranean maritime economy, and marine resources management in Libya received a major boost as the Ministry of Marine Resources and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Libya) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen maritime governance, promote sustainable aquaculture in Libya, and advance long-term coastal development Libya initiatives. The agreement is designed to support a structured transition toward a more resilient and diversified blue economy strategy Libya, focusing on sustainable use of marine wealth.

Under this marine resources management and UNDP Libya partnership, the MoU establishes cooperation in developing a National Blue Economy Strategy, enhancing institutional capacity, improving marine ecosystem protection, and advancing data-driven maritime planning. Key focus areas include sustainable aquaculture Libya, scientific marine research, and strengthening governance systems that support Mediterranean maritime economy growth and long-term environmental stability.

With its long Mediterranean coastline, Libya holds significant potential for expanding its blue economy strategy Libya by unlocking maritime investment opportunities and strengthening sustainable sectors such as fisheries and aquaculture. This shift is expected to support job creation, food security, and improved resilience of coastal communities while reducing dependency on traditional economic sectors.

The partnership also builds on ongoing collaboration supported by the Government of Italy, aiming to transform policy frameworks into practical investment-ready programmes. Over the past year, UNDP has worked with national institutions, including the Ministry of Economy and Trade and the National Blue Economy Committee, through workshops and stakeholder consultations that helped define priorities for Libya’s emerging marine ecosystem protection and blue economy roadmap.

Speaking at the signing, H.E. Adel Sultan, Minister of Marine Resources, highlighted that the agreement reinforces Libya’s commitment to marine resources management and economic diversification through structured coastal development Libya strategies, while ensuring environmental protection and improved governance.

Dr. Sophie Kemkhadze, UNDP Resident Representative in Libya, emphasized that sustainable growth depends on effective management of natural marine assets, noting that the Libya Blue Economy presents a pathway toward diversified growth, ecosystem protection, and stronger coastal livelihoods.

Through this MoU, UNDP will provide technical assistance to strengthen maritime governance Libya, improve planning systems, support sustainable value chains including aquaculture, and enhance marine data and research infrastructure. The initiative aims to operationalize Libya’s blue economy strategy Libya, ensuring a balanced integration of environmental sustainability and economic development across its Mediterranean coastline.

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