“The Blue Economy” – The Phoenix of the Present Times. Implications on Current Problems of Mankind

Abstract

Starting from the well-established notion that human beings live in society and the fact that their needs are unlimited in relation to the available resources, this paper focuses on the noticeable decrease of the rooted tension between two fundamental concepts in economics and on possible credible and promising solutions. The concept of blue economy is recognised as central to sustainable development that incorporates socio-economic benefits and environmental conservation. This highlights in an integrated way the economic and trade activities focusing on the ocean-based marine environment, associated biodiversity, ecosystems, species and genetic resources whilst ensuring conservation. Thus, blue economy means the use of sea and the use of its resources for sustainable economic development. Also closely related to the idea of sustainability, this new type of economic approach offers humanity new opportunities and perspectives by promoting appropriate policies to support research and development in view of the implementation of mechanisms based on sustainable practices inspired by ecosystems. Following the analysis of the main economic indicators at EU level (the number of jobs in specific sectors of the blue economy and their specific gross value added), there has been a continuous upward trend generated by the efforts of European authorities to perceive, understand, assimilate and adopt the most relevant aspects relating to the phenomenon of the blue economy. The study’s contribution is based on the manifestation of this new phenomenon, which is analysed by collecting updated data from the latest reports and documents, as well as by presenting case studies aimed at identifying its features, advantages and weaknesses, both at EU level as well as at a national (i.e., Romanian) and global level.