Blue Economy

The blue economy frames the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, jobs, and ecosystem health, spanning fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, offshore energy, and biotechnology. The World Bank and UN promote it as the marine counterpart to the green economy, tied to SDG 14. Financing instruments such as blue bonds raise capital for conservation and sustainable harvesting, while the concept’s breadth invites criticism that it can rebrand extractive activity as sustainable without measurable safeguards.