Blue bioeconomy – a sustainable path for resource utilisation

Tarja Haaranen,
Director General,
Ministry of the Environment,
Finland

A sustainable blue bioeconomy means business activities based on the sustainable use of renewable aquatic resources and expertise based on them. Blue bioeconomy is a relatively new concept, and a clear common understanding of the sectors and operations to be included is still lacking. However, in many studies a blue bioeconomy is understood as a set of economic activities that are either directly or indirectly linked to the aquatic environment or benefit from being located close to the coast or shore. These activities explore, develop, and use renewable aquatic resources, produce inputs for other activities, use the aquatic space, or protect the aquatic environment.

In the context of a blue bioeconomy sustainability is often defined through three pillars, i.e. ecological, economic and social sustainability. However, all too often their exact meanings and the relationships between the pillars remain obscure. The model of Doughnut Economics developed by economist Kate Raworth provides a new framework for assessing sustainability. It is a visual framework for sustainable development – shaped like a doughnut – combining the concept of planetary boundaries with the complementary concept of social boundaries. We must not overshoot the ecological ceiling of our planet if we wish to maintain the conditions for human life. However, we should also not fall short of the basic living conditions because this would erode the social foundation.

Good ecological status of waters and the sea is the foundation of a sustainable blue bioeconomy

A good ecological status of waters and aquatic ecosystems enables to develop and diversify products and services. To create responsible growth, renewable aquatic resources must be used in a way that is wiser and more sustainable than at present. The less we use the natural resources to produce added value, the more sustainable is our path towards promoting a blue bioeconomy. Healthy aquatic ecosystems contain significant production potential. The weakening of the status of waters puts many economic activities at risk. The solutions required for improving the status of waters also help to create new business opportunities.

Sustainable and profitable activities without harm to the environment

The possibilities to increase the fish catches of the world are very limited. According to FAO statistics, aquaculture already produces more food protein than fishing or beef production. New aquaculture establishments must be based on low-emission solutions such as recirculating technology, or they must be located in open sea where environmental impacts are easier to control.

Circular economy solutions are being created through industrial symbioses that aim for a closed cycle of the water, nutrient and energy economy. In the Finnish experimental plant for a closed cycle, the recirculating aquaculture establishment has been connected to a greenhouse, biogas plant and biofuel production plant. The nutrient-rich discharge water from the recirculating plant is conducted to the greenhouse as plant nutrient for vegetable production. The side streams from the aquaculture plant and greenhouse are delivered to the biogas plant. Gas is used to generate electricity and heat. The greenhouse warms, oxygenates and purifies the water, while nutrients from fish farming serve as fertiliser for plant growth. The digestion residue left at the biogas plant is used as nutrient in arable farming. In accordance with the principle of a circular economy, what is waste for one is a resource for another.

The production of algal biomass and the development of associated technologies are making fast progress. Algae are effective producers of bio raw materials. Algae can also be used for binding nutrients or carbon dioxide from industrial emissions and utilised in biotechnology products. Studies are being made on the economic utilisation of the vast amounts of excess nutrients and harmful biomasses such as blue-green algae in the eutrophic Baltic Sea. Algae and mussels can help us find biological methods for making use of the nutrients already present in the sea and water bodies, thus improving the status of waters.

Aquatic environments are important for human health and wellbeing

For a long time we have been well aware of the aesthetic and recreational value of the aquatic environment for the people. This is why coastal areas and spas in different parts of Europe have been popular destinations for centuries. Aquatic environment provides an attractive setting for tourism, recreation and wellness services. Aquatic environments and their amenities have great potential for developing ‘blue care’ activities, i.e. new kinds of wellness services that may include physical exercise, rehabilitation and various kinds of treatments and care.

Email: tarja.haaranen@ym.fi

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