1st International Congress on the Sustainable Blue Economy

To address the negative impacts of the traditional economic model, new economic models have emerged following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit or Rio Conference), held in 1992. Since then, a turning point has been reached in the way we think about the links between the economy and the environment.     One of these models is the blue economy, which operates within the context of sustainable development. The notion of "blue economy" is directed towards the sustainable utilization of marine and coastal resources, with the objective of optimizing economic gains from these resources while concurrently safeguarding the environment. Research within the realm of blue economy encompasses various subjects including sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture, harnessing renewable energies in marine settings, preservation of marine biodiversity, and mitigation of adverse human-induced effects on marine ecosystems. They are conducted by academics, research institutes, and governmental and non-governmental organizations. The primary objective of this research endeavor is to provide informed insights that guide the formulation of policies and practices aimed at fostering the sustainable utilization of maritime resources. As an example, The United Nations has embarked on a significant initiative, the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), symbolizing a concreted global effort to address the pressing challenges facing our oceans. This initiative seeks to galvanize collaborative action among stakeholders worldwide, uniting them under a shared vision to leverage ocean science as a catalyst for advancing sustainable development and revitalizing the health of our oceans.