Blue economy and the total environment: Mapping the interface.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Marine Policy
• Sustainable Development

Background:

• The Blue Economy (BE) concept is gaining traction in environmental research, focusing on ocean-based development.
• Conflicting interpretations of BE exist, highlighting a need to clarify its relationship with the total environment.
• Understanding the impacts of BE on the broader environment is crucial for resolving conceptual conflicts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map the interface between the Blue Economy and the total environment.
• To enhance understanding of the total environment and its implications for BE.
• To identify key linkages and areas for future research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review.
• Keyword co-occurrence analysis.
• Network analysis to identify clusters and relationships.

Main Results:

• The field linking BE and the total environment is nascent, with vague interactions.
• Six clusters emerged: three general (environmental sustainability, marine resource, economic development) and three specific (growth/sustainable development, spatial planning/environmental management, environmental sustainability/BE).
• Specific dimensions like growth, spatial planning, environmental management, and sustainability are directly linked to BE.

Conclusions:

• The relationship between the Blue Economy and the total environment requires further in-depth investigation.
• Future research should focus on clarifying the specific interactions and impacts within identified clusters.
• A more integrated approach is needed to reconcile BE opportunities with comprehensive environmental stewardship.