Navigating the Blue Economy: A Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Growth and Marine Resource Management in Türkiye and Pakistan

Abstract

The blue economy presents a significant potential for sustainable growth and economic diversification in both Türkiye and Pakistan, two nations endowed with rich marine resources. This study analyzes the strategic approaches adopted by each country to take advantage of the benefits of their respective marine environments while guaranteeing sustainable practices in marine resource management. In Türkiye, the blue economy is integrated into national policies that emphasize the conservation of marine biodiversity, ecotourism and fishing management, which reflects a commitment to balance economic development with environmental administration. On the contrary, Pakistan's blue economy initiatives focus mainly on improving fishing, aquaculture and shipping industries, although the challenges remain in governance and the allocation of resources. By using a comparative framework, this analysis evaluates the effectiveness of each country's strategies to achieve economic benefits and sustainable growth. The key indicators such as the generation of coastal employment, gross contributions to the domestic product of marine activities and community participation in resource management are examined. The results indicate that, although both nations recognize the economic potential of their marine resources, Türkiye exhibits a more cohesive and advanced approach to integrate sustainability within its framework of the blue economy. On the contrary, Pakistan, despite its emerging strategies, deal with institutional challenges that hinder the optimal use of resources. This research underlines the need for both countries to foster collaboration, share the best practices and improve institutional frameworks to carry out all the potential of their blue economies. Ultimately, the analysis requires a holistic approach that prioritizes the sustainable management of marine resources as a cornerstone to promote economic resilience and environmental sustainability in both nations. As far as theoretical framework Sustainable Development Theory (Triple Bottom Line Approach), will be employed. The Blue Economy is built on balancing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity.