 In Belize, the Blue Economy plays a crucial role in driving sustainable economic development and marine conservation. The Blue Economy now looks at the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, to improve livelihoods, and to ensure that jobs are created while we ensure that the health of the ocean and the ocean ecosystem is preserved. How does this really differ from our traditional sectors is that the Blue Economy approach now integrates a multi-sectoral approach and the past traditional sectors focus on sector-specific development. Under the Blue Economy umbrella, several industries and sectors contribute to sustainable economic development and marine conservation. We have industries such as tourism, industries such as fisheries, marine transportation, to name a few. We also have new sectors that we're looking at, such as offshore renewable energy, such as aquaculture or mariculture, deep sea mining, and marine biotechnology, to name a few. Our Belize, we are a country with heavy reliance on our coastal and ocean resources, and we believe that the development of these areas would definitely contribute to the socioeconomic growth of our country and our people. The Blue Economy unit plays a crucial role in driving Belize's transition to a more sustainable and resilient coastal economy. The Blue Economy unit and by extension the Ministry of Blue Economy and Civil Aviation has developed its Blue Economy Development Policy, Strategy and Implementation Plan, which was launched last year and briefly touches on the need for targeted and innovative research that would inform the development of offshore renewable energy and other sectors of course. By incorporating climate change consideration into its strategies and working closely with coastal communities, the Blue Economy unit aims to mitigate the effects of climate change on livelihoods and promote resilience. The Blue Economy works with coastal communities to mitigate the effects of climate change on the marine environment and their livelihoods through various strategies and initiatives. I can speak specifically of the FAO implemented project that the Ministry is currently working on and that's entitled Enhancing Adaptation Planning and Increasing Climate Resilience in the Coastal Zone and Fisheries sector. Through that project we have emphasised community engagement, participation and social cohesion in climate change adaptation and resilience efforts. The concept of the Blue Economy is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals SDGs as it contributes to several key goals and targets. The Blue Economy contributes to achieving several SDGs in Belize and it plays a key role in advancing these goals such as SDG 14, which is Life Below Water. It does this by promoting the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources. It also promotes SDG 1 and SDG 8 to reduce poverty and promote economic growth by creating employment opportunities and supporting livelihoods in coastal communities. It also contributes to SDG 5, which is gender equality by promoting women's empowerment and inclusivity in coastal communities. It promotes SDG 16, which is peace and justice and strong institutions. The Blue Economy really promotes inclusive and participatory governance in coastal resource management. It encourages community involvement, engagement with local stakeholders and the establishment of real, transparent and accountable institutions, which leads to fostering strong governance.