世界发展银行-Bulgaria-Blue-Economy-Policy-Note---Toward-a-Blue-Economy-Development_95页_2mb

Summary of Bulgaria Blue Economy Policy Note

Core Content

This document outlines the current state, challenges, and opportunities for Bulgaria's transition to a blue economy, emphasizing sustainable use of coastal and marine resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and the preservation of marine ecosystems.

Main Points

Importance of the Maritime Economy to Bulgaria

• Bulgaria is located in one of Europe's most attractive regions with a beautiful coastline that provides significant natural and socioeconomic value.
• The Black Sea coast is a key economic growth center, home to 10% of Bulgaria's population and attracting many domestic and international tourists.
• The maritime economy includes traditional sectors such as coastal tourism, fisheries, and shipbuilding, and contributes significantly to the national economy.
• In 2018, the blue economy generated approximately €995 million in GVA, which is about 2% of the national GVA and accounts for 3.4% of all jobs.
• Coastal tourism alone contributed 69.9% of the blue economy GVA and 79% of blue economy employment.
• The country has favorable conditions for wellness and spa tourism, which could further boost employment and economic activity.

Threats to the Marine Environment

• Human and climatic pressures, including urbanization, pollution, climate change, coastal erosion, and cliff retreat, are putting serious stress on the coastal environment.
• The estimated average sea level rise along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is between 1.5 to 3 millimeters per year.
• There are 11 sensitive stretches of coastline, totaling about 267 kilometers, that are at heightened risk of flooding.
• Pollution, particularly from industrial sites and ports, is a major concern, with 105 industrial sites in the Black Sea Basin, 77 of which are significant sources of wastewater.
• Marine pollution affects multiple sectors and could reduce the quality and availability of marine resources, thereby impacting industries reliant on them.

Blue Economy Sectors

• Coastal and Marine Tourism: A major contributor to blue economy GVA and employment, with potential for growth through wellness and spa tourism.
• Fisheries and Aquaculture: The fisheries sector contributes €85 million in GVA and employs 9,250 people, generating 9% of blue economy jobs.
• Marine Non-Living Resources: Includes the extraction of minerals, oil, and gas, with the Black Sea Basin being a target area for exploration.
• Maritime Transport, Ports, Shipbuilding, and Repair: These sectors contribute to the blue economy's GVA and employment, with port activities and shipbuilding playing key roles.
• Emerging Blue Economy Sectors: Includes renewable energy (e.g., offshore wind), which has potential for growth and job creation.

Policy and Institutional Framework

• Bulgaria is an EU member state and adheres to the EU's acquis communautaire, including directives such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), Water Framework Directive (WFD), and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).
• The country has initiated Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) to support the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources.
• The Blue Economy Development Framework (BEDF) is promoted as a key tool to integrate and coordinate the management of marine-related activities, aligning with EU policies and directives.
• The BEDF encourages a holistic approach to the blue economy, promoting the valuation of natural capital and the ecosystem-based management of resources.

Challenges and Opportunities

• There is a lack of horizontal integration across maritime sectors and inclusive planning, which could hinder the effectiveness of blue economy strategies.
• The need for better environmental monitoring and data accuracy is highlighted, especially regarding marine pollution and its economic and ecological impacts.
• The country is stepping up efforts to adapt to climate change and flood risks, with the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan approved in 2019.
• A multisector approach is essential for identifying synergies and conflicts in the use of marine resources and for developing effective policies and investments.
• The implementation of the MSFD is lagging, with Bulgaria facing legal procedures due to noncompliance with reporting obligations.
• The country needs a proactive strategy and good data to assess the impacts of the pandemic on maritime sectors and to seize the opportunity for blue economy development.

Recovery and Future Prospects

• The coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted the blue economy sectors, particularly tourism, fisheries, and maritime transport.
• The crisis has created an opportunity for Bulgaria to leverage EU recovery funds to promote reforms that benefit the blue economy and natural capital.
• A sustainable and equitable blue economy growth strategy is needed to catalyze long-term economic and environmental benefits.
• The integration of the BEDF and EU directives into national policies and funding programs is critical for advancing the blue economy.
• The World Bank's "Blueing the Black Sea" (BBSEA) program supports regional cooperation and investment in the Black Sea area, aiming to enhance knowledge and technical assistance.

Key Information

• Blue Economy Employment/GVA: In 2018, Bulgaria's blue economy employed 102,960 people and generated €995 million in GVA.
• EU Directives: Bulgaria is required to implement several EU directives, including MSFD, WFD, and ICZM, to ensure the sustainable management of marine resources.
• Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): A key tool for integrated and coordinated management of marine activities, promoting private sector investment and environmental protection.
• Environmental Monitoring: The country has made progress in improving environmental monitoring but still needs more timely actions to prevent pollution.
• Climate Change Adaptation: The National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan was approved in 2019 to address flood risks and climate change impacts.
• Circular Economy: Bulgaria lacks a circular economy policy program, which is a gap that needs to be addressed in line with the European Green Deal (EGD).
• Blue Economy Potential: The blue economy offers opportunities for growth and job creation, especially in emerging sectors like renewable energy and sustainable tourism.

Policy Recommendations

• Strengthen horizontal integration across maritime sectors and ensure inclusive planning.
• Enhance environmental monitoring and data accuracy to support policy responses.
• Develop a circular economy policy program to reduce marine pollution and improve waste management.
• Implement the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) effectively and meet reporting obligations.
• Promote the use of BEDF tools, such as MSP and ecosystem-based management, to guide the transition to a blue economy.
• Mainstream the principles of the Common Maritime Agenda (CMA) and Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for the Black Sea (SRIA) into national policies and funding programs.
• Leverage EU recovery funds to support reforms and investments that align with a sustainable and inclusive blue economy.