The aim of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development aims is to “reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and gather ocean stakeholders worldwide behind a common framework that will ensure ocean science can fully support countries in creating improved conditions for sustainable development of the Ocean” (UNESCO 2021). The Blue Economy — now widely accepted and endorsed by stakeholders from governments, industry and civil society — is seen as a promising way towards coastal sustainability and resilience. But, the Blue Economy narrative put forth by many stakeholders is still primarily focused on a growth oriented capitalist model, albeit ‘seasoned’ with a dose of sustainability.
This conference aims to reimagine the Blue Economy, not as a business-as-usual approach to economic development, but as an innovative framework that recognizes the diversity of economies, facilitates energized transdisciplinary dialogue and enables multi-stakeholder activation and empowerment in order to radically reframe coastal and marine economies.