UfM launches new ‘blue economy’ cooperation initiative in the Mediterranean

Ministers in charge of maritime affairs from the 43 countries of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) have committed to closer cooperation on blue economy and maritime governance two weeks before the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 21 in Paris. The launch of this new Blue Economy initiative falls within the framework of the global UfM sustainable development strategy, which entails activities in the fields of energy, climate change, urban development and water and environment. Gathered in Brussels on the occasion of the first UfM Ministerial Conference on Blue Economy, participants stressed the need for the Mediterranean region to make the best use of the potential of the blue economy to promote growth, jobs and investments and reduce poverty. They noted that clean and healthy seas are drivers and enablers for national and regional economies and advocated building a clear vision for the sustainable and integrated development of marine and maritime sectors at national and sea basin levels.