In popular wisdom it is said that “what goes around, comes around”. In nature, the seed germinates and generates plants, flowers and fruits that return other seeds. The water cycle, which we discussed in the previous text of this series “The Entrepreneurial Sector and the Ocean”, shows that river water flows into the ocean which, in turn, regulates the climate and rainfall that feed the river sources. In this same logic is the circular economy as one of the main priorities for the business sector: to develop production processes that minimize waste and restore natural systems, valuing socio-biodiversity and, in this way, guaranteeing a sustainable future and promising businesses. If sustainable development demands efficient and innovative decision-making, in this discussion I want to bring the differential to the circular economy: that it incorporates blue.
The circular economy involves a change in production processes and the mentality, values and business culture, which also involve a change in customer relations and public policies. While for companies in the marine sector, the circular economy may be associated with the origin processes of the fish, considering sustainable aquaculture, animal welfare and artisanal fishing; All companies can act to reduce pollution and urban waste and plastics in water bodies, a classic example of the relationship between the circular economy and the ocean. Actions can occur from changes through recycling, such as Nespresso Recycling Center, to the development of ecological raw materials and replacement of components with co-processed waste, such as the examples of Braskem and Votorantim Cimentos. Also, considering the different links in the chain and social issues, actions such as ambipar that integrate waste management in partnership with cooperatives and recycling sectors bring paths for the development of the circular economy that generate a positive impact for the ocean.
However, developing the circular blue economy goes beyond pollution issues and represents a visionary and ambitious opportunity in business decision-making. While the circular economy demands nature-based solutions, the necessary design for the circular economy requires investment in science, technology and innovation for the development of new systems and materials. The ocean occupies 70% of the planet's surface and has a wide diversity of renewable and non-renewable resources. Therefore, the ocean is a source of untapped resources that can serve as a source for innovative and sustainable design. Directing business strategic planning in science, technology and innovation towards ocean science will bring new opportunities for a long-term transformation that not only benefits ocean sustainability, but allows for the restoration of commonly exploited land and freshwater resources.
A 'Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development' invites a vision of the future from science, technology and business innovation (SDG9) to the systemic transformation necessary for the circular economy. The Ocean Decade brings an opportunity for innovation in the business model based on a multisectoral agenda (SDG17) and with scientifically based decisions for sustainable development that benefits human health and well-being. This opportunity proposes sustainable consumption and production (SDG12), while promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG8) based on sustainable processes (SDG6, SDG7) that promote resilient cities (SDG11) and act in the fight against climate change ( SDG13), with restoration of aquatic (SDG14) and terrestrial (SDG15) environments. While post-pandemic economic restoration plans indicate the circular economy as a priority, investing in the blue circular economy meets a global sustainable development plan, maximizing investments and opportunities in the economic restoration process with long-term impacts. If “everything that goes around comes around”, investing now in the blue circular economy is a guarantee of achieving Vision 2050 of CEBDS successfully.
This text is the result of a partnership between CEBDS, UNESCO and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, both bodies that are leading the implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science in Brazil.
Text authored by:
Ronaldo Christofoletti
Institute of the Sea of the Federal University of São Paulo
Coordinator of the Maré de Ciência Program
member of Communication Advisory Group for the UN Ocean Decade – IOC UNESCO
