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17.07.2025
Blue economy: towards sustainable water management through international partnership
Preamble
Water is a vital resource that plays the key role in such processes as crops growing, electricity production, and public health maintenance. Shortage of water threat- ens people’s lives, jobs, as well as food and energy security of any country. Inter- national cooperation within BRICS can play a decisive role in slowing down of water resources deterioration that threatens ecosystems and economies around the world, and achievement of the global climate goals, including the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Modern companies are striving to at least some- how minimize the negative impact on the environment and preserve biodiversity, and also set corporate goals and indices to ensure efficient sustainable water uti- lization.
Water is a valuable resource in life of a person and a state. One can agree with this statement, as efficient water management ensures national security and pro- motes strengthening of peace at the global level.
The global community started to introduce such concepts as the “green econ- omy” and the “blue economy”. There is similarity between them, as they are related
to environmental protection and rational use of natural resources, while the dif- ference results fr om specifics, namely specific focus in certain areas. For example, the “blue economy” sectors usually include maritime logistics, fishery, and aqua- cultures, marine tourism, coastal infrastructure, and ports. Over time, expansion occurred and freshwater ecosystems (freshwater resources) were added. To con- tinue discussion of the “blue economy”, let us consider the main international indi- ces estimating the role of water resources in the world.
At present, estimated value of the World Ocean’s assets is 24 trillion dollars; lives of more than 3 billion people depend on resources of the “blue economy”, especially in developing countries; 80% of world trade by volume and 70% by value is carried out by sea and processed by ports around the world; the global aquacul- ture market is estimated as 82.8 million tons of products; global economic value of coastal ecosystems is 20.4 trillion dollars.1
Regardless of the optimistic water resource development indices, there are certain factors that cast doubt on sustainability of the future aquatic ecosystems. According to the World Resources Institute, by 2050, more than 30% of the world’s GDP will be exposed to high risk of water shortage, and, by that time, greenhouse gas emissions from shipping will increase by 50–250%2. By 2030, global shortfall in available water supply as compared to demand will reach 56%. Water related chal- lenges arise against the background of increased demand for food: researches sug- gest that, in 2050, the world will have to produce 56% more calories than in 2010 in order to feed the forecasted 10 billion people3.
The agricultural sector already constitutes the main cause of water shortage, as it accounts for 70% of global water intake. Risks arise from the stage of crop cultivation. Due to water shortage in some regions of the world irrigated crops that account for 34% of world production in terms of weight are vulnerable to the increasing competition for common water supply sources. Water shortage is con- sidered to be “high”, if at least 40% of local water supply is used to meet the needs of farms, industrial enterprises, power plants, and households. At present, approx- imately 60% of the world’s irrigated crops (by weight) are grown in the areas of high or extremely high shortage of water. Most of the crops are commodity crops exported to other countries, thus water shortage causes food security issues for the countries.
The global community has to efficiently implement principles of the “blue economy”, and BRICS countries that are also involved in solving of the global water related issues are no exception here. Dynamics of the basic water shortage index in BRICS countries according to the World Resources Institute is shown in Fig. 1.
By 2080, significant depletion of water resources will be observed in Iran, UAE, Egypt, and South Africa, as temperature (climate conditions) in these regions will continue to rise. The forecast for Middle East and North Africa suggests that, already by 2050, 100% of the population will live under conditions of extreme- ly-high water shortage. In Iran, identified challenges include inefficient water management and irrational use of water in agriculture, which causes tension that increases along with aggravation of water shortage5. In India, approximately 24% (of the total produced amount) of agricultural crops are grown in drainage basins that consume more water than can be naturally recovered. The country has resorted to pumping of non-renewable ground waters and river diversion, but these are not the long-term solutions.
Among the largest associations of the world, BRICS is actively demonstrating interest in sustainable development and environmental protection. Table 1 pres- ents analysis of BRICS countries in terms of progress in the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially for the goals pertaining to water resources and their responsible usage. The 2024 SDG Index was selected as the basis for the research.
Results suggest that all countries except for Indonesia improved their overall rankings. Achievement of the three goals demonstrates that BRICS countries are facing difficulties in implementation of the national tasks. However, expectations regarding goal No. 6 are optimistic for most of the countries.
Location of marine resources plays significant role in maintenance of sustain- able economy in states washed by seas and oceans. The Government of Brazil has developed a national policy on marine resources (regulation based on the “polluter pays” principle) and included coastal zone management in national planning. In China, marine environment protection act and the 14th five-year plan for national informatization provide for the establishment of a digital environmental manage- ment system for water resources. The “India’s Blue Economy” project provides for the establishment of a national accounting system for the purpose of ocean man- agement and development of new sectors of marine biotechnology and deep-sea mining. The South African Marine Spatial Planning Act provides the basis for rel- evant planning in the country, as well as development, revision, and implementa- tion of marine spatial plans. Russia has large reserves of accessible water resources and high potential for efficient management of the same. Since 2025, “Ecological Well-Being” (instead of “Ecology”) National Project was launched. The national project comprises six federal projects, including the “Water of Russia” project for reduction of untreated wastewater discharge into water bodies.
With the development of production relations, they started to actively use water resources at all stages of economic activity, as this is the source of trans- port, trade, and energy production for many countries. According to the fore- casts, by 2030, added value created by maritime sectors of the economy will make up approximately 3 trillion dollars.6 Water resources (especially freshwa- ter) are used by most companies depending on their importance in particular sectors and are subject to pollution, and together these are the two key pressure factors that cause the loss of nature in ecosystems around the world.
For example, 96% of water taken by Procter & Gamble (P&G) along the entire supply chain is spent in course of its products consumption by clients. In 2015, there was a drought in Brazil, which resulted in decreased sales of Unilever in 20167. Although the challenge was caused by the climate change, this demon- strates dependency of the corporate sector on water resources. Implementation of low-carbon strategies and development of “clean” technologies, for example hydrogen production by way of electrolysis, as well as cooling and maintenance of equipment in the renewable energy sector, also require water.
BRICS platform offers implementation of the following joint initiatives that will promote development of the “blue economy”: 1) establishment of a target fund for blue economy of BRICS countries; 2) cooperation in construction of water pro- tection structures and biological buffer zones in coastal ecosystems; 3) exchange of experience in development and implementation of water saving and other envi- ronmentally friendly technologies to facilitate access to water resources; 4) integra- tion of the “blue economy” in corporate business models, introduction of closed water circulation technologies in production; 5) certification and standardization under unified BRICS system; 6) establishment of a research hub in BRICS to pro- vide extensive thematic research and training on the topic of the “blue economy”;
7) development of an integrated water resource index for BRICS countries and cre- ation of a unified database for the Water Digitalization Initiative.
Joint initiatives aimed at rational usage of water resources will be included in the taxonomy of “blue” projects of BRICS+. It will in turn positively affect the econ- omy, as well as the social sphere of each country in the union. “Blue” initiatives will increase adaptive potential of companies in the context of climate change, which will manifest in reduced dependency on limited water reserves. The state itself is interested in ecosystem preservation and restoration, as sustainable water man- agement projects ohen attract attention of international investors interested in financing of environmentally friendly initiatives.
Clean water is the basis for health of the population. Improved quality of water supply reduces the risk of diseases associated with water contamination and pro- motes demographic well-being of the country. In addition, access to clean water becomes an equal opportunity for all segments of the population regardless of their income level and geographic location, which supports social stability.
Today, water crises transcend national borders, which causes migration, inter- nal conflicts, and regional instability. BRICS countries have to adapt and think ahead in order to help citizens, communities, and companies to survive in the world wh ere water shortage is becoming an increasingly major challenge.
Water is a vital resource that plays the key role in such processes as crops growing, electricity production, and public health maintenance. Shortage of water threat- ens people’s lives, jobs, as well as food and energy security of any country. Inter- national cooperation within BRICS can play a decisive role in slowing down of water resources deterioration that threatens ecosystems and economies around the world, and achievement of the global climate goals, including the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Modern companies are striving to at least some- how minimize the negative impact on the environment and preserve biodiversity, and also set corporate goals and indices to ensure efficient sustainable water uti- lization.
Water is a valuable resource in life of a person and a state. One can agree with this statement, as efficient water management ensures national security and pro- motes strengthening of peace at the global level.
The global community started to introduce such concepts as the “green econ- omy” and the “blue economy”. There is similarity between them, as they are related
to environmental protection and rational use of natural resources, while the dif- ference results fr om specifics, namely specific focus in certain areas. For example, the “blue economy” sectors usually include maritime logistics, fishery, and aqua- cultures, marine tourism, coastal infrastructure, and ports. Over time, expansion occurred and freshwater ecosystems (freshwater resources) were added. To con- tinue discussion of the “blue economy”, let us consider the main international indi- ces estimating the role of water resources in the world.
At present, estimated value of the World Ocean’s assets is 24 trillion dollars; lives of more than 3 billion people depend on resources of the “blue economy”, especially in developing countries; 80% of world trade by volume and 70% by value is carried out by sea and processed by ports around the world; the global aquacul- ture market is estimated as 82.8 million tons of products; global economic value of coastal ecosystems is 20.4 trillion dollars.1
Regardless of the optimistic water resource development indices, there are certain factors that cast doubt on sustainability of the future aquatic ecosystems. According to the World Resources Institute, by 2050, more than 30% of the world’s GDP will be exposed to high risk of water shortage, and, by that time, greenhouse gas emissions from shipping will increase by 50–250%2. By 2030, global shortfall in available water supply as compared to demand will reach 56%. Water related chal- lenges arise against the background of increased demand for food: researches sug- gest that, in 2050, the world will have to produce 56% more calories than in 2010 in order to feed the forecasted 10 billion people3.
The agricultural sector already constitutes the main cause of water shortage, as it accounts for 70% of global water intake. Risks arise from the stage of crop cultivation. Due to water shortage in some regions of the world irrigated crops that account for 34% of world production in terms of weight are vulnerable to the increasing competition for common water supply sources. Water shortage is con- sidered to be “high”, if at least 40% of local water supply is used to meet the needs of farms, industrial enterprises, power plants, and households. At present, approx- imately 60% of the world’s irrigated crops (by weight) are grown in the areas of high or extremely high shortage of water. Most of the crops are commodity crops exported to other countries, thus water shortage causes food security issues for the countries.
The global community has to efficiently implement principles of the “blue economy”, and BRICS countries that are also involved in solving of the global water related issues are no exception here. Dynamics of the basic water shortage index in BRICS countries according to the World Resources Institute is shown in Fig. 1.
By 2080, significant depletion of water resources will be observed in Iran, UAE, Egypt, and South Africa, as temperature (climate conditions) in these regions will continue to rise. The forecast for Middle East and North Africa suggests that, already by 2050, 100% of the population will live under conditions of extreme- ly-high water shortage. In Iran, identified challenges include inefficient water management and irrational use of water in agriculture, which causes tension that increases along with aggravation of water shortage5. In India, approximately 24% (of the total produced amount) of agricultural crops are grown in drainage basins that consume more water than can be naturally recovered. The country has resorted to pumping of non-renewable ground waters and river diversion, but these are not the long-term solutions.
Among the largest associations of the world, BRICS is actively demonstrating interest in sustainable development and environmental protection. Table 1 pres- ents analysis of BRICS countries in terms of progress in the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially for the goals pertaining to water resources and their responsible usage. The 2024 SDG Index was selected as the basis for the research.
Results suggest that all countries except for Indonesia improved their overall rankings. Achievement of the three goals demonstrates that BRICS countries are facing difficulties in implementation of the national tasks. However, expectations regarding goal No. 6 are optimistic for most of the countries.
Location of marine resources plays significant role in maintenance of sustain- able economy in states washed by seas and oceans. The Government of Brazil has developed a national policy on marine resources (regulation based on the “polluter pays” principle) and included coastal zone management in national planning. In China, marine environment protection act and the 14th five-year plan for national informatization provide for the establishment of a digital environmental manage- ment system for water resources. The “India’s Blue Economy” project provides for the establishment of a national accounting system for the purpose of ocean man- agement and development of new sectors of marine biotechnology and deep-sea mining. The South African Marine Spatial Planning Act provides the basis for rel- evant planning in the country, as well as development, revision, and implementa- tion of marine spatial plans. Russia has large reserves of accessible water resources and high potential for efficient management of the same. Since 2025, “Ecological Well-Being” (instead of “Ecology”) National Project was launched. The national project comprises six federal projects, including the “Water of Russia” project for reduction of untreated wastewater discharge into water bodies.
With the development of production relations, they started to actively use water resources at all stages of economic activity, as this is the source of trans- port, trade, and energy production for many countries. According to the fore- casts, by 2030, added value created by maritime sectors of the economy will make up approximately 3 trillion dollars.6 Water resources (especially freshwa- ter) are used by most companies depending on their importance in particular sectors and are subject to pollution, and together these are the two key pressure factors that cause the loss of nature in ecosystems around the world.
For example, 96% of water taken by Procter & Gamble (P&G) along the entire supply chain is spent in course of its products consumption by clients. In 2015, there was a drought in Brazil, which resulted in decreased sales of Unilever in 20167. Although the challenge was caused by the climate change, this demon- strates dependency of the corporate sector on water resources. Implementation of low-carbon strategies and development of “clean” technologies, for example hydrogen production by way of electrolysis, as well as cooling and maintenance of equipment in the renewable energy sector, also require water.
BRICS platform offers implementation of the following joint initiatives that will promote development of the “blue economy”: 1) establishment of a target fund for blue economy of BRICS countries; 2) cooperation in construction of water pro- tection structures and biological buffer zones in coastal ecosystems; 3) exchange of experience in development and implementation of water saving and other envi- ronmentally friendly technologies to facilitate access to water resources; 4) integra- tion of the “blue economy” in corporate business models, introduction of closed water circulation technologies in production; 5) certification and standardization under unified BRICS system; 6) establishment of a research hub in BRICS to pro- vide extensive thematic research and training on the topic of the “blue economy”;
7) development of an integrated water resource index for BRICS countries and cre- ation of a unified database for the Water Digitalization Initiative.
Joint initiatives aimed at rational usage of water resources will be included in the taxonomy of “blue” projects of BRICS+. It will in turn positively affect the econ- omy, as well as the social sphere of each country in the union. “Blue” initiatives will increase adaptive potential of companies in the context of climate change, which will manifest in reduced dependency on limited water reserves. The state itself is interested in ecosystem preservation and restoration, as sustainable water man- agement projects ohen attract attention of international investors interested in financing of environmentally friendly initiatives.
Clean water is the basis for health of the population. Improved quality of water supply reduces the risk of diseases associated with water contamination and pro- motes demographic well-being of the country. In addition, access to clean water becomes an equal opportunity for all segments of the population regardless of their income level and geographic location, which supports social stability.
Today, water crises transcend national borders, which causes migration, inter- nal conflicts, and regional instability. BRICS countries have to adapt and think ahead in order to help citizens, communities, and companies to survive in the world wh ere water shortage is becoming an increasingly major challenge.
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