The seas, especially the high seas, and the oceans are divine gifts and rich reserves and resources for the development of science and technology, for achieving a growth in jobs and wealth, for the provision of vital needs, for increasing the country’s strength, and they are also an appropriate platform for building a civilization. Since Iran has a privileged geographical position and is located between two seas with thousands of kilometers of beaches as well as islands and numerous capacities that have remained untouched, it is necessary to effectively make use of the coasts, offshore areas, and the seas and oceans and to use them as a driving force and an axis for the country’s development. The country should take action [in these areas] in order to achieve a fitting regional and global position in its usage of the sea. Because of this, the General Sea-based Development Policies have been determined as follows:
1. The establishment of an integrated policy for sea-based affairs, for the division of work at the national level, and for an active, efficient management of the sea in order to make maximum use of the sea’s capacities to attain a fitting global position and to reach a top position in the region.
2. The development of sea-based-economic activities and the creation of advancing sea-based development centers to speed growth on the coasts, islands, and hinterlands in such a way that the economic growth rate in the field of sea-based activities (sea-based economy) will always be at least twice the country’s economic growth rate over the next ten years.
3. The facilitation and development of domestic and foreign investments and partnerships by creating the necessary software and hardware infrastructures (legal, economic, substructures, and security).
4. The formulation of a comprehensive sea-based development plan that includes zoning of the sea, the coast, and the backshore. Determining population distribution and geography, trade, industry, agriculture, and tourism - especially in the coasts and islands in the south, particularly the Makran Coast with emphasis on an Iranian-Islamic identity within a maximum of one year after the announcement of this policy.
5. Maximum, optimal utilization of the capacities, resources, and reserves of the marine ecosystem by preventing the destruction of the marine environment, especially by other countries.
6. The provision and advancement of a committed, efficient human capital and management. The creation of scientific, educational, and research support for sea-based development and the innovation of the ecosystem and marine technology.
7. The expansion of economic and commercial cooperation with investments in large-scale and knowledge-based infrastructural, production, and service projects with neighboring and other countries in order to take advantage of sea-based capacities, to have an effective presence in international routes, and to attain a position as a regional center.
8. Increasing the country's share in sea-based transport and transit by establishing and strengthening a combined transport network.
9. Supporting native and local investors in development projects, supporting those active in economic fields, and also backing small and medium enterprises in local communities in various areas including fishing, agriculture, industry, and tourism.
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