Press release: Cátedra de Economía Azul,
On October 20, 2023, the presentation of the Blue Strategy Proposal of the Valencian Community took place, at The Ocean Race Museum in the Port of Alicante, organized by the Càtedra Interuniversitària d’Economia Blava-UA- UMH-Generalitat Valenciana.
The event has had the notable presence of numerous authorities, including the Hon. Mayor of Alicante, Luís Barcala; the Magnificent Rector of the University of Alicante, Amparo Navarro; the General Director of Economy, José Vicente Todolí; the General Director of Coasts, Ports and Airports, Vicente Martínez Mus; and the Autonomous Secretary of Innovation, Jerónimo Mora, among other distinguished positions.
At the opening of the event, the Hon. Mayor of Alicante shared his vision of the maritime vocation of the city and its port, highlighting them as essential elements of Alicante. Furthermore, he committed to collaborating with all sectors with the aim of promoting this maritime capital.
The Rector of the University of Alicante highlighted the preparation of the UA in areas such as marine sciences, biology, geography and tourism, among other degrees and postgraduate degrees. He highlighted the university’s commitment to the Chair of Blue Economy and its willingness to work together with the Public Administration to establish the research bodies necessary for the development of the Blue Economy in the Valencian Community, in collaboration with other universities, including the University Miguel Hernández (UMH).
Succesful blue strategies in the Mediterranean and the EU
Subsequently, Marta Pascual, head of the WestMed Spain Hub, urged the Valencian authorities to bet on the blue economy, in line with the projects and funds of the European Union. She highlighted that this is a crucial moment for the Valencian Community to develop a Blue Strategy, highlighting the successful results of blue strategies in the Mediterranean and the importance of the Valencian Community joining this dynamic.
For his part, the director of the Càtedra d’Economia Blava, Fernando de Rojas, emphasized that the Proposal presented is the first step towards a more detailed and specific strategy, being a basic document. This Strategy Proposal would place us one step away from the officialization of a Valencian Blue Strategy, from which we have grown so far. This document covers various sectors, such as nautical, fishing, aquaculture, coastal tourism, marine energy, blue biotechnology, ports, coasts, public works and maritime transport. De Rojas highlighted the current relevance of the Blue Economy in the Valencian Community and the importance of working on a transversal strategy that involves all sectors, putting the region at the same level as other autonomous communities and Europe. Furthermore, he expressed the commitment of universities to be centers of research, promotion and dialogue with the companies and sectors involved, making themselves available to the Generalitat Valenciana for this joint effort.
Valencian Blue economy webportal
In the context of this event, the launch of a comprehensive web portal dedicated to the blue economy of the Valencian Community was announced. This portal, which will be available soon, will serve as a central platform to explore and gain insight into the blue economy sector in the region.
Representatives of civil society were also present at the event, including the president of the Chamber of Commerce and various associations of sectors involved such as ANEN, UEN, National Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds, ACNCV, APROMAR, ATEIA-OLTRA Alicante and the Association of Containers Port Alicante. Likewise, there was a notable presence from the academic sector and key companies in areas such as maritime public works, maritime transport, customs, as well as the Business Confederation of the Valencian Community (CEV), represented by its secretary, Ana Gosálvez.
Finally, the significant weight of maritime transport in the Valencian Community and the driving companies in the sector, such as Balearia, JSV, Boluda, among others, were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of this vital impulse not only for the region, but also for all Europe.
