The Concept of Blue Economy and Sustainable Development of the Black Sea Coast of Georgia

Abstract

One of the most important resources for the sustainable development of the economy of our countryis the Black Sea, which is characterized by a unique habitat, rich resources and a rich cultural heritage. TheBlack Sea is vital for the community living on its shores, so the development of the Black Sea economyshould be based on the principles of the "blue economy". The blue economy is an extension of the concept ofa green economy towards sustainable development to coastal zones and the waters of the seas or oceans.The blue economy policy is aimed at the rational use of available resources and the preservation of thesustainability of ecosystems, its priorities are: fisheries, aquaculture, marine resources, maritime and coastaltourism, maritime transport and shipping.The article aims to demonstrate importance of splitting the blue economy from the green economyand its existence as an independent concept, based on example of the Black sea coast of Georgia.The concere tasks are as follows: to prioritize ecosystem services on the Black Sea coast of Georgia,identify the main pressures and risks, identify the main problems, obstacles that hinder the implementation ofthe Blue Economy" in the Black Sea (example of Batumi), in social, environmental and technological contexts. Also identify the opportunities that exist in the coastal tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, renewableenergy, maritime transport, blue bioeconomy and environment sectors. Assess marine and land biodiversityand the current level of economic development based on the principles of the Blue Economy.