Ecosystem approach: from white paper to real-world examples
In 2021, Blue Cluster published a white paper on the Ecosystem Approach, emphasizing the importance of sustainable use and management of the marine environment. This is especially significant as human activities in the blue economy grow in scope and diversity.
From vision to practice
Within the BlueBioClusters project, we examined how companies in the blue bioeconomy - those that provide or enable ecosystem services—are putting this approach into practice.
We encountered a significant challenge: valuation methodologies for ecosystem services are still underdeveloped and vary greatly across regions and sectors.
This lack of standardization makes it difficult to create robust models to quantify contributions to ecosystems or climate from BlueBio activities.
New publication: inspiration and tools
To address this, the project partners released the booklet “Case Studies on Ecosystem Approach in the Blue Bioeconomy”. This new publication illustrates how companies are already using frameworks and tools for ecosystem services valuation, and how this can strengthen the blue bioeconomy.
Through ten case studies across different value chains (bivalves, crustaceans, fish, macroalgae, and microalgae), the booklet reveals how ecosystem approach–aligned decision-making not only makes ecosystem services visible, but also has a positive impact on the business model.
How our members and partners make the difference
Blue Cluster is particularly proud that twelve of our members and partners have taken the first concrete steps toward implementing the Ecosystem Approach. Among these pioneers are companies such as Colruyt Group, Jan De Nul, DEME, RWE, Parkwind, Ørsted, and Go Ocean.
Additionally, several organizations have developed specific tools and methodologies to operationalize the ecosystem approach, including Mantis Consulting, Emelia, Ghent University, and Haedes. Their pioneering work proves that moving from theory to practice is feasible, and that ecosystem services can have a valuable place in business operations.
Towards a more sustainable blue economy
With this publication, we aim to inspire and support companies and stakeholders in further integrating the Ecosystem Approach. It represents a major step toward a blue economy in which economic growth, innovation, and sustainability go hand in hand.
