BLUACT from URBACT

The origins of the Blue Economy concept can be traced back to the mid 90’s, when the Belgian businessman turned author, Gunter Pauli, was asked by the United Nations to think about innovative business models of the future. Originally conceived with the aim of reconciling the shared goals of stimulating entrepreneurship whilst also preserving marine eco-systems, today, the term ‘Blue Economy’ covers a range potential policy interventions ranging from; Practical programmed for delivering any form of economic growth which is linked to the marine and maritime economy; More complex economic philosophies which draw on a range of ‘circular economy’ concepts and frameworks to deliver growth in such a way which preserves, maintains and enhances the marine environment (and therefore delivers more significant, long run benefits to society).

BluAct is a network of 7 European port cities including Piraeus, Mataro, Ostend, Galati, Matosinhos, Burgas, and Salerno aiming to share good practices in Blue Economy entrepreneurship. The project is funded under the EU’s URBACT programme, which helps cities to develop sustainable, pragmatic solutions, integrating economic, social and environmental urban topics. The project follows the success of Piraeus’ Blue Growth Initiative, an entrepreneurship competition that offers incubation services to local businesses boosting innovation and job creation. Through an approach of creating Urbact Local Support Groups and engaging local stakeholders and other interested parties, with the ultimate aim of starting up the blue economy, BluAct aims to deliver far reaching results in the respective partner cities.