Realizing the Blue Economy Potential in Albania
World Bank
Abstract
The objective of this study is to fill \n the knowledge gaps to help advance Albania's vision of \n the Blue Economy, in the context of the country's aim \n of joining the EU. The two most important sectors with this \n regard are fisheries and tourism. Both industries are well \n established and offer the highest potential return on \n investment when it comes to the Blue Economy and have \n socio-economic and cultural significance for the coastal \n communities. The study further extends to cover the \n challenges of marine plastic pollution and examine possible \n solutions. For the purpose of cross-sectoral planning and \n investment coordination, the Blue Economy Development \n Framework (BEDF) is introduced as a distinct theme. The \n analysis concludes with a menu of options to develop the \n marine based economic activities and ultimately accelerate \n the country's transition towards the Blue Economy. The \n study reflects Albania's specific circumstances and the \n opportunities arising from integrated economic development \n of maritime sectors, including branding a 'Blue \n Albania' vision that could serve as a blueprint for \n future innovations in these sectors. Policy and decision \n makers from multiple institutions representing the GoA, as \n well as development partners and organizations such as the \n European Commission, have been consulted in the course of \n the study preparation.