TRANSITION TO A SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY – FROM A GLOBAL FRAMEWORK TO A NATIONAL CONTEXT

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.