5). The Blue Economy – Issues
The natural world made up of the physical environment, its mineral components and
biodiversity at all three levels (genetic, species, ecosystem) is intrinsically interconnected
and the more diverse and productive the natural system, the greater the degree of
interconnectivity. Hence the identification of particular issues is inherently an
anthropogenic construct and depending on one’s perspective may appear arbitrary.
A case in point is the precursory role that the conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity has in enabling the establishment of a Blue Economy, broader sustainable
development and poverty eradication (see fig below). This is particularly true in developing
countries where economies are more directly related to environmental exploitation.