The world's oceans—their temperature, chemical composition, currents, and life—drive global systems that make Earth habitable for humans. Our rainfall, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, a significant portion of our food, medicines, and even the oxygen we breathe are all provided and regulated by the seas. However, due to climate change, the health of our oceans is now significantly jeopardized.
The concept of the 'blue economy' aims to promote economic development, social inclusion, and the preservation or improvement of life while simultaneously ensuring the ecological sustainability of the oceans and coastal areas.
The blue economy has various components, including established traditional ocean industries such as fisheries, tourism, and maritime transport, but also new and emerging activities such as offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, deep-sea resource extraction, and marine biotechnology.