Moving to a smart blue economy

Abstract

The chapter is centred around the core of Blue Economy and the disciplines that may support the Blue Economy activities as an attempt to indicate the direct and indirect impacts the Blue Economy activities and the disciplines that supports it, may have. A background is crafted of the current Blue Economy status, the topic is introduced and an overview is given of the Blue Economy. The challenges of the Blue Economy are highlighted and how to strategically position for participation in the Blue Economy activities is analysed. The activities of Blue Economy are provided for and addressed in a manner that allows for the activities to be pitted against the three global problems; namely 1) the carbon footprint, 2) food security and lastly 3) energy. It is at the same time also being pitted against the three challenges the World Bank indicated, as 1) the current economic trends which have been rapidly degrading oceans resources, 2) the lack of investment in human capital for employment and development in innovative blue economy sectors and 3) inadequate care for marine resources and ecosystems of the oceans. The role and importance of marine spatial development is defined, highlighted and emphasized. Options for funding the Blue Economy activities as well as its disciplines are provided, by discussing the current funding availability, the opportunities existing in the Blue Economy, the challenges of it and lastly some strategies on how to go about funding the Blue Economy activities and disciplines. The disciplines are discussed very broadly and serves as an indicator of how Blue Economy activities, supported by disciplines may create a ripple effect in job creation. All the disciplines may be used collectively in all Blue Economy activities.