On December 4, Artem Vashchylenko, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster, took part in a significant online discussion titled “Blue Economy: Strategies and Opportunities for Municipalities”. The event featured Tetyana Shulychenko, Head of the Department of Economic Development and Portfolio Project Coordinator for the City of Mykolaiv, as co-speaker.

The event focused on discussing strategic opportunities that the blue economy opens for municipalities. The speakers from Mykolaiv shared their experiences in implementing innovative approaches to using water resources to achieve economic growth, create new jobs, and ensure ecological sustainability. They also highlighted successful examples of integrating blue economy principles into urban environments.

The speakers emphasized that Mykolaiv’s efforts should concentrate on developing river systems and small-scale shipping, revitalizing and modernizing shipbuilding, creating spaces for rehabilitation and leisure by water bodies, and promoting the blue economy. These initiatives aim to foster a greater appreciation for nature from an early age. This work is part of the “Sustainable Transformation Program for the City of Mykolaiv Towards the Blue Economy”. The program is a collaborative initiative involving the Ukrainian Association of Business Support Centers and the Mayors for Economic Growth program.

• Key Concepts:
  • Concept for the Development of the Maritime Industrial Park
  • Concept for Creating a New Public Waterfront Space: AQUA PORT
  • Concept for the Revitalization of Mykolaiv Shipbuilding Plant

As part of the city’s industrial development, the initiative stresses that industrial parks are effective tools for regional economic growth. The revitalization of Mykolaiv’s industrial potential requires proactive work on preparing the necessary infrastructure and market conditions.

According to Artem Vashchylenko, the main principles guiding the city’s revitalization are sustainability, innovation, technological advancement, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. These principles are essential for the success of both blue and green economies.

Tetyana Shulychenko pointed out that all projects are designed with the city’s strengths in mind, such as its waterways and the integration of green spaces along riverfronts. The inclusion of these spaces and the opening of such areas to the public is crucial to ensuring the sustainability and accessibility of these projects for the community.

Kieran Beattie, Research Consultant and Founder of SARDE, shared his vision of financing mechanisms for projects related to the blue economy. He discussed the following avenues:

• • 1. Government subsidies and grants
    2. International funds, particularly the Global Environmental Fund
    3. Public-private partnerships
    4. Green bonds for sustainability projects (municipal projects and tourism taxes)
    5. Incentives for sustainable blue economy projects

However, Artem Vashchylenko noted that many of these mechanisms are currently unavailable due to the ongoing war. Previously, Mykolaiv had implemented a participatory budget, but such resources are currently limited. The “Blue Innovation Challenge” is a new initiative aimed at supporting blue economy initiatives, with resources available thanks to UNDP (United Nations Development Programme).

This event served as an invaluable platform for exchanging experiences and exploring new approaches to sustainable urban development, with a particular focus on integrating blue economy principles into city planning and community engagement.

Детальніше про блакитну та зелену економіку ви можете дізнатися за посиланням: https://blueplatform.info/

Про блакитні проєкти розвитку Миколаєва: https://blueplatform.info/CityontheWave