Expectations about the services and resources that can be derived from our seas and the opportunities for job creation and economic growth derived from these activities seem to grow with every new outlook. This raises concerns over the future health of the ocean. In Sweden, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea have long been important spaces for economic development and trade and are expected to play a vital role in the transition to a fossil-free society. However, they also face serious environmental impacts that jeopardize ocean health, which is the basis for a sustainable blue economy.
There is an urgent need to find solutions to common challenges and break away from sectoral thinking. Such an approach requires a fundamental shift in how our ocean is valued and exploited and an integrated and adaptive ecosystem-based management for our seas. This is highly ambitious since such an approach demands better alignment of regulations, planning, and monitoring criteria with ecosystem boundaries. It demands a fundamental shift in how we organize and utilize the marine space that goes beyond prioritizing economic growth only, to ensuring a more effective delivery of multiple gains for society, the environment, and climate.
It is therefore fundamental to understand both the status as well as the potential of the sustainable blue economy. If we neglect the industrial and economic expansion towards marine areas and fail to integrate the ecosystem approach with a socio-economic one, there is a risk of unplanned growth at the expense of marine ecosystems and social justice. Thus, the C2B2 programme provides the unique opportunity to talk and learn about a growing sustainable blue economy, if we are to avoid the same mistakes committed onshore. C2B2 will enable this dialogue and tackle difficult conversations by creating an environment of collaboration and creativity.
Contact persons
Uta Wehn
