The ocean covers more than three fourths of the surface of the planet and plays a fundamental role in the lives of many species, humans included.
Marine and coastal activities provide sustenance for millions of people around the globe. They are particularly important in Latin America and the Caribbean as most of the countries in this region have notable coastlines. 27% of the population inhabits these areas and 2.5 million people work directly on fishing or aquiculture, which makes them an important factor to the global economy.
Its importance is undeniable. In this context, the necessity of promoting a sustainable use of marine and coastal resources as a strategy to boost the growth of nations and preserve their natural assets becomes more palpable.
The “Blue Economy” is an alternative which meets these needs, as it looks to protect the eco-systemic services derived from coastal and marine assets, as well as taking in some of the key challenges that riverside economies face, such as high rate of unemployment, feeding insufficiency and poverty, among others.
This approach promotes self-sufficiency in the states that depend on marine resources for the nourishment of its people and the sustained growth of GDP rates.
In modern times, it comes as a chance to diversify and develop new economic sectors, such as mariculture, the production of renewable energy generated from waves and Eolic energy, marine biotechnology, the sustainable use of non-renewable natural resources such as mining of the sea floor and/or from deep waters, water desalination, nature-based solutions and carbon highjack.
Revealing studies have shown the economic value of ecosystems such as reefs in the Mesoamerican region from the goods and services these provide. The results proved that it is possible to generate large amounts of capital for their protection.
What´s more, it was concluded that the restoration of reeds must expand massively, as well as conducting continuous adaptive scientifical monitoring and generate a strong bond with local communities.
In Sadhu we strongly believe that the protection of oceans is an imperative factor for the development of the modern economy. If a “blue vision” is to be incorporated in the processes of touristic growth, we will enjoy the blessings of nature along with a better structural and energetic avail.