The Blue Economy Enterprise Incubation Facility (BE-EIF) is a UNDP initiative to support and grow the blue economy in Papua New Guinea. We support micro, small and medium enterprises through mentoring, capacity building, and financial support.
By supporting small businesses, especially those owned by women, the BE-EIF aims to show that it is possible to grow sustainable ocean-based livelihoods, while protecting Papua New Guinea’s incredible marine resources and coral reefs.
Healthy oceans and
sustainable livelihoods
The Blue Economy in Papua New Guinea
The blue economy has emerged as a key growth sector globally. The term encapsulates the need for sustainable economic reliance on the ocean, while ensuring the health of irreplaceable marine ecosystems.
Papua New Guinea boasts some of the world’s highest levels of marine biodiversity. Its oceans have supported human livelihoods and wellbeing for generations, but today human activity threatens its extraordinary coral reefs and ocean life. With the right support and capacity-building, activities such as fisheries, aquaculture, seaweed products, minerals, ecotourism, and maritime trade have the potential to grow much-needed livelihoods within a sustainable blue economy approach.
PNG's blue economy contributes
10% to GDP,
employing over 50%
in coastal areas.
The Blue Economy in Papua New Guinea
The Blue Economy Enterprise Incubation Facility (BE-EIF) is a product of the Blue Accelerator Programme of the UNDP’s Gutpela Solwara Gutpela Bisnis project, meaning “Good oceans, good business”. The BE-EIF aims to support business ideas that promote sustainable fishing, limit extractive practices, and reduce waste. It prioritises women-owned businesses and those with gender-sensitive approaches.
Through an open call for applications from micro, small and medium-sized businesses, selected participants are chosen to participate in the BE-EIF. The selected businesses receive tailored mentorship, capacity-building, and UNDP funding.