The blue economy is the one that recognizes that both the seas and the oceans have enormous importance as engines of the economy. According to the definition of the European Union of this concept, this is due toor great potential for innovation and growth.
The oceans produce more than 50% of the oxygen that our planet has and on which all living beings depend to subsist. Besides, They absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide that humans produce. And the biggest problem faced is excess plastic garbage.
Firm commitment to the blue economy
The Minister of Environment, Infrastructure and Territory, Vicente Martínez Mus, highlighted the commitment of the Generalitat “With sustainable development through the implementation of the I Strategy of the Blue Economy In the Valencian Community. “
Martínez Mus has participated in the inauguration of the Blue Economy and Maritime Transport organized by the Valencian Foundation Awards Rei Jaume I for address great professional opportunities and the importance of seas and oceans as engines of the economy for its great potential for innovation and technological avant -garde.
The head of the Environment has indicated that, in a privileged environment, with 500 kilometers of coast and a coastline that represents 15 % of the GDP of the region, the Consell is proposed “Effective managing marine resourcespromoting sustainable economic activities that benefit both the environment and the local economy. ”
In his speech, Martínez Mus has referred to the future Law on the Protection and Planning of the Valencian Coast, already in a parliamentary procedure phase that, for the first time, “will allow establish specific regulations to protect the natural values of our coast and attend to the historical and economic reality of the Valencian coast. ”
Within the framework of this law, explained the Minister, the Generalitat will deploy the I Strategy of the Blue Economy of the Valencian Communitya framework document whose development already has the good viso of the Consell and that will focus “on the sustainable use of oceans and marine resources”.
Martínez Mus ha defended the blue economy “as a model that considers aquatic spaces as innovation and growth engines for sustainable and profitable economic development, based on the principle of the circular economy to convert waste again in efficient materials. ”
Three Axes of Action
The strategy will focus on three axes: Promote this economic activity in a coherent manner with the guidelines and commitments established by the European Union, as well as with other relevant international agreements; Promote business field, promoting modernization, efficiency and sustainability in the productive fabric that relates to the sectors of the blue economy and, finally, enhancing research, knowledge and training.
Regarding maritime transport, Martínez Mus has indicated that it will be another of the central axes, with the purpose of decarbonizing them and turning them into “green ports”. “Our commitment is clear: We want our ports to be engines of energy transition and environmental sustainability“, He said, and, for this,” the coordination of the maritime, energy, logistics and transport sectors is key, “he explained.
Finally, the Minister has reaffirmed the Generalitat’s commitment to “establish alliances between the public and private sector to maximize the potential of the blue economy. Its development and maritime transport are essential to generate sustainable growth, protect our environment and improve the quality of life of our citizens. ”