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Oceans cover three-quarters of the globe, and a staggering 80% of all life on Earth is found hidden beneath their waves. They also represent an enormous economic opportunity, which is why the “blue economy” is driven by a combination of growing ocean-based industries and jobs as well as concerns about growing pressures on dwindling marine resources and response to climate change.
While traditional maritime industries such shipping, ports, offshore oil and gas, capture fisheries, maritime and coastal tourism continue to innovate, emerging ocean industries are gaining traction. These industries include offshore wind, tidal and wave energy, seabed mining, marine aquaculture and biotechnology.
However, the predicted growth of the blue economy must not come at the expense of marine ecosystems and biodiversity. As such, a dramatic shift is necessary in how the world develops the ocean’s potentials so as not to compromise the marine resource base on which they rely. A healthy ocean will have more than just economic benefits. It will improve health and well-being, and enhance the resilience of the planet to support a long-term future.
Created a Post in Blue Economy
New Insights into Impacts of Toxic Metals in Aquatic Environments
Created an Opportunity in Sustainable Finance, Blue Economy, Industry and Entrepreneurship, Water and Sanitation
Super interesting new study on desalination shared by our UNEP colleagues - a booming biz with waste biproduct ripe for exploitation for those innovative SMEs able to capture it. But what are the energy implications for meeting SDG6 through desalination?
Why the finance sector needs to catch the blue wave?
The financial system has a direct impact and dependency on the ocean. As financiers of marine industries, including shipping, seafood, coastal tourism, port infrastructure and offshore renewable energy, many banks’, insurers’ and investors’ balance sheets depend on the health and continued abundance of marine resources.
Created a Post in Blue Economy, Waste Management
New rules ban the export of plastic waste from the EU to non-OECD countries, except for clean plastic waste sent for recycling
UNEP is working with Vulcan to train coral reef practitioners to use a new Atlas that maps every coral reef on earth from space. The Atlas will provide baselines for monitoring coral reef bleaching events and other short-term changes as evidence to inform policymakers and the public on the importance of coral.
Seafood industry plays a role in achieving sustainable oceans through transparency. What are the critical steps and barriers to pursue greater transparency?
Patterns, performance and prospects in farm diversification
Created a Post in Blue Economy, Waste Management, Water and Sanitation
New report out from UNEP with technical solutions to address water pollution from plastics and microplastics. Solutions range from upstream prevention to downstream water treatment, including textile design, mechanical and chemical recycling, debris fins, sewage treatment, floating wetlands, and debris sweepers.
EBRD signs up to Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles