Reviving the western indian ocean economy - Actions for a Sustainable Future

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This report provides an analysis of the economic value of the ocean assets of the Western Indian Ocean region (Comoros, France, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa and Tanzania). The annual “gross marine product” of the Western Indian Ocean region – equivalent to a country’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) – is at least US$20.8 billion. The total “ocean asset base” of the Western Indian Ocean region is at least US$333.8 billion. These values are derived from direct outputs from the ocean (e.g. fisheries), services supported by the ocean (e.g. marine tourism) and adjacent benefits associated with the coastlines (e.g. carbon sequestration). Coastal and marine tourism make the largest economic contribution, accounting for 69 per cent of ocean output (US$14.3 billion annually). Carbon sequestration accounts for 14 per cent (US$2.9 billion) of the gross marine product and fisheries for 9 per cent (US$1.9 billion).
Citation of this report: Obura, D. et al. 2017. Reviving the Western Indian Ocean Economy: Actions for a Sustainable Future. WWF International, Gland, Switzerland. 64 pp.