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The Blue Economy

Transport and Freight LogisticsTSO – Built Environment

By Simone Smith-GodfreySenior Researcher - TFL

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Contents

• Background• Definition• Minimum Criteria• Components• Sectors• Growth Areas

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Background to the Blue Economy

• Globally economic relationships with the oceans are evolving.• Currently the setting for international commerce and transport, a significant source of

food and energy, the oceans’ contribution to countries are already important.• Growing familiarity with the oceans environment, new technologies for ocean

resource exploitation, longer- term growth and demographic trends, food security and alternative sources of minerals and energy, increased seaborne trade as well as rapid coastal urbanization are drivers of the evolving relationship

• globally through new national ocean development plans, governments are focusing on the oceans for a source of jobs, innovation and competitive advantages

• This gathering trend of expansion and acceleration of human activity in and around the ocean, is seen as the industrialization of the oceans.

• “blue economy” concept has its origins in the broader green movement and describes a sustainable balance between economic growth and ocean health

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Definition of the Blue Economy

Working Definition – SIDS Concept Paper, World Bank• Marine-based economic development leading to improved well-being and

social equity, whilst reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.• Reframing the oceans as “development spaces” subject to spatial planning• Incorporating the value of the oceans into economic decision making• Establishing policies that favour low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially

inclusive development• Prioritizing the use of the oceans to benefit people, alleviate poverty,

generate employment and promote equity• Decoupling socio-economic development from environmental degradation• Improving relevant international law and governance mechanisms

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Minimum Criteria for a Blue Economy

• Human needs are addressed – securing need for food, water, energy, materials, recreation and health, as well as jobs, livelihoods, community life and political stability

• Ecosystem sustainability – ensuring that resources are grown, harvested, processed, used and recycled in a way that promotes improvement of the biodiversity and productivity of the supporting environment

• System approach – applying tools of systems thinking, modelling and integrated planning inclusive of inter-linkages between and among different economic activities and ecosystems

• Sustainability standards – following global standards and guidelines for sustainable business operations, investment and development, with margin for continuous refinement and improvement

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Components of the Blue Economy

Harvesting of living

Resources

Extraction of non-living

Resources

Generation of new

Resources

Commerce and Trade

Response of Ocean

Health

Type of Activity Ocean Service Established Industries

Emerging Industries Growth Drivers

Food Security

Marine Bio-technology

Fisheries Aquaculture Population Growth, Coastal Urbanization, Food Security Demands, Seafood Demand

Minerals

Metals

Seabed Mining Deep Sea Mining

Pharmaceuticals

Chemicals Healthcare, Medical Industry, Beauty Industry, Cosmetic Industry

Heavy IndustriesDemand for MineralsManufacturing Industry Demand

Energy

Oil and Gas ExplorationOil & Gas Derivative Products

Existing Energy Demand, Oil & Gas Derivative Products Demands

Alternative Energy Renewable Energy Energy Demand, International Energy Regulation

Water Desalination

Wave Energy

Electrochemical MediationExisting Fresh Water Demand, Water Stocks, Water Management

Transport and Trade

Tourism and Recreation

Shipping, Ports Infrastructure & Services

Tourism and Coastal Development

Energy Source Changes, Cabotage

Eco-Tourism, Marine Real Estate, Marine Heritage

Growth in Seaborne Trade, International Regulations, Globalization

Growth in Tourism, Urbanization, Preservation & Conservation Demands

Ocean Monitoring & Surveillance

Carbon Sequestrations

Coastal Governance

Ocean Pollution

Information Technologies

National Carbon Regulations

Ocean Technologies

National Security

Salvage & Towage

Blue Carbon

Cabotage, Habitat Protection & RestorationWreck Removals & Restoration, Pollution & Waste Technologies

R & D in Ocean Technologies

International Carbon Regulations

Growth in Tourism, Urbanization, Preservation & Conservation Demands

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Blue Economy Sectors

Blue Economy

Coastal Tourism

Offshore Oil and Gas

Deep Sea Shipping

Short Sea Shipping

Yachting and Marinas

Ferry Services

Cruise Tourism

Fisheries

Inland Waterways TransportInland

Waterways Tourism

Inland Waterways Real Estate

Coastal Protection

Offshore Energy

Monitoring and

Surveillance

Biotechnology

Desalination

Aquatic Production

Marine Mining

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Blue Economy Growth Focus Areas

Blue Economy Growth Focus

Areas

Blue Energy

Aquaculture

Marine, Coastal and

Cruise Tourism

Marine Mineral

Resources

Blue Bio-Technology

Inland Waterways

Tidal BarrageWave EnergyOcean Thermal Energy Conversion

Food SecurityAnimal Feed

Gene Sequencing Technologies

Shallow Water MiningDeep Sea Mining

Maritime HeritagePassenger Ferry Infrastructure and ServicesShoreline ActivitiesOpen Water Activities

Inland TransportInland InfrastructureInland ServicesInland Real EstateInland Navigation and Traffic ManagementInland Marinas and Yachting

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Thank you

SSmith1@csir.co.za