News

By Dona Bertarelli, UNCTAD Special Adviser for the Blue Economy

By David Vivas Eugui, Legal Officer, UNCTAD

By Bruno Antunes, Economist, UNCTAD

The global tourism standstill due to COVID-19 has cost the sector dearly, especially in countries heavily reliant on it, like small island nations. A new UN report maps how tourism could be rebuilt.

The pandemic has led to a surge in pollution from disposable products like plastic face masks and hand sanitizer bottles. Effective trade rules can help limit the spread of coronavirus waste.

Written by Mukhisa Kituyi, UNCTAD Secretary-General, and Dona Bertarelli, UNCTAD Special Adviser for the Blue Economy

UNCTAD estimates that for every $1 million lost in international tourism revenue, a country’s national income could drop by up to $3 million. The effects on employment could be dramatic.

The increasingly unsustainable use of marine resources for economic activities has hurt the health of our oceans, seas and coasts. Governments and businesses have the opportunity to turn the tide and make blue economy sectors more "green" in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

The Swiss sailor, ocean conservation advocate and philanthropist will help the UN trade and development body promote the responsible use of our ocean, seas and coasts for economic growth.

The pandemic is inflicting economic and social harm on those working in fisheries sectors, but it opens a window to make seafood industries more sustainable.