THE WESTMED: ADVANCING MEDITERRANEAN COOPERATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BLUE ECONOMY

Abstract

The Mediterranean is a unique spot in Earth in which different realities collide, particularly in its coasts. Regional cooperation in the area has been key to search for common solutions to common challenges. However, the multifunctionality of the Mediterranean shores and the different issues faced by this region – environmental, social and economic -, call for a change in the economic model in which the uniqueness of this area is recognised. The Blue Economy is the proposed alternative, which tries to respond to the current challenges while contributing to the sustainable development. However, the transition to this model cannot rely merely in diplomacy, but requires action-based initiatives, in which the stakeholders are placed in the center. The WestMED Initiative manages to provide that innovative approach. It focuses on the promotion of Blue Economy in the Western Mediterranean and tries to create a safer and more secure maritime space in the Mediterranean, a smart and resilient blue economy and a better governance of the sea. Despite all the innovative and positive aspects embedded to it, this article remarks that it can potentially fail in its ultimate goal – sustainable development – unless some changes are made in its governing structure and priorities. Nevertheless, its contribution to Blue Economy and to the development of the Mediterranean make it valuable to be analysed.