Transition to a Sustainable Blue Economy – From a Global Framework to a National Context
Transition to a Sustainable Blue Economy – From a Global Framework to a National Context

Author(s): Atanaska Nikolova
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Social Sciences, Economy, Business Economy / Management, Governance, Sociology, Economic policy, Political Ecology, Economic development, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: sustainable development; blue economy; governance
Summary/Abstract: The sustainable use of ocean and marine resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and the sustainable health of ocean and marine ecosystems is the leading theme of the decade declared by the United Nations General Assembly as the Decade of Ocean Science (Ocean Decade 2021 – 2030). Global challenges related to climate change, overexploitation of natural resources, environmental pollution, as well as intensive urbanization of coastal areas determine the importance and relevance of the transition to a sustainable blue economy. The topic is particularly relevant for Bulgaria, because the sectors of the blue economy make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country, but due to the vulnerability of the Black Sea ecosystem, the economic potential of the Bulgarian coastal and marine ecosystem is exposed to the risk of anthropogenic and climatic pressure. Despite the challenges, Bulgaria has the potential to transform the Bulgarian Black Sea coast not only into a center of sustainable economic growth, but also into a model for applying the principles of the blue economy. The publication presents the results of a study whose main objective is to analyze the development of policies related to the transition to a sustainable blue economy in an international, European, regional and national context and to provide an analytical basis for the formation of a recommendations for a policy framework for an effective transition to a sustainable blue economy in Bulgaria. The analytical method applied is a critical review of the framework “external” to the country, which to a large extent regulates the process of transformation of the blue economy sectors, and of key national policies leading the process of transition to the blue economy. Conclusions are drawn for the policy development process for a sustainable blue economy, and key catalysts for accelerating the transition to a sustainable blue economy are identified, such as improved governance, monitoring and control; changing production and consumption patterns ensuring a transition to a low-carbon economy and society, zero pollution and a circular economy; focus on technological innovations and science-based ocean solutions; and involving stakeholders in the process. Recommendations are also formulated for making a transition to a sustainable blue economy at the national level, including changing the models of isolated sector management and investment and developing a national policy framework to provide a platform for improved governance and coordination between institutions and stakeholders in blue economy sectors.

• Details
• Contents