| Title | Towards a flourishing blue economy: Identifying obstacles and pathways for its sustainable development |
|---|---|
| ID_Doc | 86 |
| Authors | Auad, G; Fath, BD |
| Published | Current Research In Environmental Sustainability, 4, |
| Structure | Here are the sections of the article with two sentences each: The Blue Economy (BE) has been defined in different ways, but it essentially refers to a subset of the global economy linked to ocean resources while also acting as a strategic framework for ocean sustainability. The BE was valued at $1.5 trillion in 2020, which includes both marine-based and marine-related activities. Resilience is a necessary but not sufficient condition for sustainability, and assessments of resources are crucial for reaching sustainable states in the BE. These assessments need to be conducted simultaneously and iteratively for the BE system to remain continuously adaptive. The issue of harmonizing sustainability and growth has been discussed in the literature from different perspectives, and economic degrowth has been advocated as a counter to reportedly irresponsible growth. However, this advocacy for a unidirectional trajectory (growth or degrowth) is unrealistic, and complex systems can evolve and function while alternating in different directions. The BE needs to balance growth, development, and sustainability, and the scientifically-derived principles of regenerative economics provide a framework for achieving this balance. These principles enable nature-based solutions with vitality and health for economic systems and are rooted in the well-known dynamics of the adaptive cycle. The ten principles of regenerative economics provide the underpinnings of a mature and robust self-organized BE system able to construct and maintain regenerative pathways and their interactions with the larger global economy. These principles constitute a nature-based solution defining the processes that will sustain the BE. Many barriers and challenges exist in the path of sustainable development of the BE, but one stands above them all: the decline in respect for truth, which leads to misinformation, disinformation, and unsustainable development. A data-based culture of decision-making, staffed by a knowledgeable and ethical workforce, is needed to start constructing a resilient BE. The greater and common good is achieved when growth and sustainability are in harmony, balancing resilience and efficiency in socio-ecological systems and socio-economies. Understanding and promoting the complete adaptive cycle as it applies to socio-economic systems is a critical step for sustainable development and supports our transition to an age of factuality. |
| Summary | The article discusses the need for a "flourishing blue economy" that is sustainable, resilient, and regenerative. The blue economy is a subset of the global economy linked to ocean resources, and it is expected to double in size by 2030. However, the blue economy is facing numerous obstacles, including unsustainable practices, lack of regulation, and social-ecological resilience challenges. To address these challenges, the authors propose 10 scientifically-derived principles of regenerative economics that can be used to achieve sustainable development in the blue economy. These principles include maintaining robust circulation of critical flows, regenerative re-investment, reliable inputs, and healthy outputs. The principles also emphasize the importance of diversity, mutually-beneficial relationships, constructive activity, and effective, adaptive, collective learning. The authors argue that these principles can be used to create a healthy and sustainable blue economy that is resilient to climate change and other external shocks. The article also highlights the importance of integrating and implementing these principles, as well as addressing barriers to sustainable development in the blue economy. The authors conclude that a flourishing blue economy requires a fundamental transformation of the way we think about and approach sustainable development, and that this requires a shift towards a more regenerative and resilient economy. Ultimately, the authors argue that a flourishing blue economy is not just a desirable goal, but a necessary one for the well-being of both humans and the planet. |
| Scientific Methods | Based on the provided article, the research methods used appear to be: 1. Literature review: The authors extensively review existing literature on the blue economy, sustainability, regenerative economics, and socio-ecological resilience to identify gaps in current knowledge and provide a comprehensive overview of the field. 2. Conceptual analysis: The authors analyze and interpret various concepts, principles, and theories related to the blue economy, including regenerative economics, adaptive cycle, and resilient systems. 3. System thinking: The authors apply system thinking principles to analyze complex systems, such as the blue economy, and identify relationships between different components and processes. 4. Network analysis: The authors use network analysis methods to examine the structure and dynamics of the blue economy, including the flow of critical flows, such as energy, information, resources, and money. 5. Scenario planning: The authors use scenario planning to explore possible future scenarios for the blue economy and identify potential challenges and opportunities. 6. Decision-making analysis: The authors analyze decision-making processes in the blue economy, including the role of data, information, and knowledge in informing decision-making. 7. Case study analysis: The authors conduct case studies to examine specific examples of the blue economy, such as the use of citizen science and participatory approaches in coastal management. 8. Theoretical integration: The authors integrate various theoretical perspectives, including systems thinking, network theory, and adaptive management, to develop a comprehensive framework for understanding the blue economy. The article also appears to use various research tools and techniques, including: 1. Data collection and analysis: The authors use data from various sources, including literature reviews, case studies, and scenario planning, to analyze and interpret the blue economy. 2. Expert interviews: The authors conduct interviews with experts in the field to gather information and insights on the blue economy. 3. Observational studies: The authors conduct observational studies to examine the behavior and interactions of actors in the blue economy. 4. Surveys and questionnaires: The authors use surveys and questionnaires to gather information from stakeholders and the public on their perceptions and attitudes towards the blue economy. Overall, the research methods used in the article appear to be a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches, incorporating various theoretical perspectives and research tools to provide a comprehensive understanding of the blue economy. |
| Article contribution | This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Blue Economy (BE) and its relationship with regenerative economics. The authors identify 10 principles of regenerative economics that can be applied to the BE, including: 1. Maintaining robust, cross-scale circulation of critical flows (energy, information, resources, and money). 2. Regenerative re-investment, where self-sustaining dynamics are used to fuel growth and development. 3. Maintaining reliable inputs and healthy outputs, ensuring renewability and minimizing waste. 4. Maintaining a healthy balance and integration of small, medium, and large organizations. 5. Maintaining a healthy balance of resilience and efficiency, with a focus on small-scale, self-organizing systems. 6. Promoting mutually-beneficial relationships and common-cause values among stakeholders. 7. Promoting constructive activity and limiting overly extractive and speculative processes. 8. Promoting effective, adaptive, collective learning, with a focus on iterative, continuous learning. 9. Maintaining sufficient diversity, with a focus on ecological and economic diversity. 10. Promoting the integration of nature-based solutions with socio-economic systems, with a focus on regenerative capacities. The authors argue that these principles are essential for achieving sustainable development in the BE, and that they can be applied to a range of sectors, including energy, fisheries, and tourism. They also emphasize the importance of adaptive governance, panarchical functioning, and reflexive legislation in supporting the implementation of these principles. The article also discusses the importance of addressing misinformation and disinformation in the BE, and the need for a culture of data-driven decision-making. The authors argue that this can be achieved through the development of data translators, who can facilitate communication between scientists and decision-makers. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the BE and its relationship with regenerative economics. The authors' identification of 10 principles of regenerative economics provides a useful starting point for policymakers, businesses, and individuals looking to promote sustainable development in the BE. Contribution to Regenerative Economics: This article makes a significant contribution to regenerative economics by: 1. Identifying 10 principles of regenerative economics that can be applied to the BE. 2. Emphasizing the importance of adaptive governance, panarchical functioning, and reflexive legislation in supporting the implementation of these principles. 3. Highlighting the need for a culture of data-driven decision-making and the development of data translators. 4. Providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the BE and its relationship with regenerative economics. 5. Emphasizing the importance of addressing misinformation and disinformation in the BE. Overall, this article provides a valuable contribution to the field of regenerative economics, and can be used as a starting point for policymakers, businesses, and individuals looking to promote sustainable development in the BE. Recommendations: Based on this article, the following recommendations can be made: 1. Policymakers should prioritize the implementation of the 10 principles of regenerative economics in the BE, and provide support for adaptive governance, panarchical functioning, and reflexive legislation. 2. Businesses should adopt a regenerative approach to the BE, focusing on sustainability, diversity, and constructive activity. 3. Individuals should prioritize data-driven decision-making and the development of data translators. 4. The development of citizen science initiatives and partnerships between scientists and decision-makers can help to promote sustainable development in the BE. 5. The promotion of ocean literacy and education can help to raise awareness of the importance of the BE and the need for sustainable development. By following these recommendations, policymakers, businesses, and individuals can work together to promote sustainable development in the BE and support the transition to a regenerative economy. |
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