The Blue Economy offers a new paradigm for job creation and sustainable development in the Mediterranean region, which is currently grappling with one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, especially among young people and women. The Southern Mediterranean faces, in particular structural challenges related to employment, but the Blue Economy can provide a way forward for a more prosperous and sustainable future.
The Blue Economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. The Mediterranean region is rich in marine resources, including fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, and renewable energy. These resources can create new economic opportunities and jobs while also addressing pressing environmental challenges such as climate change and ocean pollution.
The Mediterranean has a coastal population of 150 million, with 360 million tourists arriving in 2017, 50% of which are concentrated in coastal areas. The blue economy in the EU’s Mediterranean member states employs 2 million people, with 79% of these jobs provided by coastal tourism. The region has 1 million people working in the fisheries sector, which generates an estimated $12 billion. The Mediterranean is responsible for 20% of the world’s Global Marine Product, 25% of global maritime traffic and 30% of the world’s oil traffic. The region has 100,000 fishing vessels and 30,900 fish farms, with an 18% average portion of the total catch being discarded. Aquaculture production in the EU Mediterranean countries is expected to increase by 112% in 2030 based on the production level recorded in 2010… more
(euneighbours)
