Course Description:

In this course, different approaches to achieve the sustainable use and conservation of ocean resources for improved wellbeing, social equity, and healthy aquatic ecosystems will be discussed. The course focuses on the blue economy paradigm, which connects environmental, social, and economic sustainability by promoting the improvement of human wellbeing and social equity. The Blue Economy has gained attention among government organizations, development agencies, politicians, academics, entrepreneurs and businesses as being a new integrated approach to community and regional development. Different economic sectors that play an important role in coastal community development will be examined, such as aquaculture, marine biotechnology, energy, trade, tourism, construction, and marine services. This course shifts the attention from traditional economic analysis to alternative economic models and measures.

Prerequisites

Only for students in Coastal Communities and Regional Development (MA programme)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, a student:

understands the interdependency of ocean industries, marine ecosystems, and societies who depend on them
can identify and interpret challenges that come with the increase in the economic value of the oceans and the increasing threats on the oceans
can describe alternative economic approaches in addition to traditional economic analysis
has the understanding of different economic actors and stakeholder groups in ocean-based industries
can participate in and lead group discussions about sustainable economic development in coastal communities
can implement an inter-disciplinary analysis of value chains in the ocean related industries