The “blue economy” is gaining increasing importance as a strategic pathway for sustainable growth in Syria, leveraging the country’s Mediterranean coastline and maritime resources to support economic recovery and long-term development.  The concept refers to the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources to generate economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods, while preserving marine ecosystems. Syria, with a coastline exceeding 180 kilometers and key ports in Latakia and Tartous, holds significant potential in sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, coastal tourism, and logistics.  According to Syrian officials, fish production reached more than 30,000 tons in the first months of 2026, distributed across marine fishing, aquaculture, and freshwater sources. However, current output still falls short of domestic demand, prompting plans to expand production capacity to 225,000 tons by 2035, bringing per capita consumption closer to global averages.  The maritime sector already plays a central role in the national economy, with the ports of Latakia and Tartous handling over 80% of Syria’s seaborne trade, positioning them as key pillars for any future blue economy strategy.  Globally, the blue economy is a rapidly expanding sector. European Commission data show it generated around €263 billion in added value in 2023 and supported nearly 4.9 million jobs, while OECD estimates indicate it accounts for about 2.5% of global GDP and could create over 40 million jobs by 2030.  Experts stress that integrating technology—such as artificial intelligence, drones, and marine monitoring systems—will be essential to improving resource management and boosting productivity. At the same time, regional cooperation across the Mediterranean is seen as critical for sharing expertise and advancing sustainable development.  Despite its potential, the sector faces challenges including marine pollution, climate change, overfishing, infrastructure gaps, and the need for updated regulatory frameworks to attract investment. Analysts say addressing these issues through stronger governance and targeted investment will be key to unlocking the sector’s full potential.  With sustained investment, technological innovation, and regional collaboration, the blue economy is expected to become a major pillar of Syria’s future economic growth, offering opportunities to transform coastal areas into hubs for trade, industry, and sustainable development. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency