Niterói city to host “Tomorrow.blue Economy” for first time in December

More than 40% of the global population lives within 100 km of the coast, and in Latin America, 27% of the population directly depends on maritime resources. The importance of the ocean economy will be the focus of attention on December 4-5, 2024, in Niterói, Brazil, during one of the world’s most significant events focused on the sustainable future of the oceans: the Tomorrow Blue Economy.

For the first time in Brazil, this international conference—organized by iCities, a pioneering company in smart cities in the country, and endorsed by FIRA Barcelona in partnership with the City of Niterói—will bring together experts, enthusiasts, and industry leaders to explore the vast opportunities of the blue economy.

Niterói was chosen as the host city due to its strategic location and commitment to sustainability. With direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and rich marine biodiversity, the city has invested heavily in infrastructure, including basic sanitation and dredging the São Lourenço Canal, boosting the local economy in key sectors such as fishing and shipbuilding.

Blue Economy: The Ocean’s Potential

According to the UN, more than 3 billion people rely on the oceans for survival, highlighting the significance of the blue economy. The World Bank defines the “blue economy” as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the ecosystem’s health.

With oceans generating between $3 and $6 trillion annually, according to UN data, the importance of the ocean economy is undeniable. In Brazil, a country with about 8,500 kilometers of coastline, 80% of the population lives within 200 km of the shore. The ocean is vital to Brazil’s economy: according to ANTAQ (National Waterway Transportation Agency), over 95% of the country’s exports and imports are transported by sea, and much of the nation’s oil and natural gas is extracted offshore. The blue economy also encompasses sectors such as fishing, coastal tourism, renewable energy, marine mining, and more.

What to Expect from the Tomorrow Blue Economy?

The event is expected to draw around 2,000 participants and will serve as a platform for innovative and strategic discussions on critical topics, including:

• Coastal resilience to climate change
• Blue economy and sports
• Sustainable ports and innovative technologies
• Water governance

“We are at a pivotal moment to discuss the blue economy, which already ranks as the 8th largest in the world and continues to grow rapidly. This topic is more relevant than ever, as it directly impacts many aspects of our lives, businesses, and the planet’s future. Investing in the blue economy is not only an economic opportunity but an urgent necessity to promote sustainability and the responsible use of marine and aquatic resources,” says Beto Marcelino, co-founder of iCities.

In Spain, the blue economy event is in its 5th year and has become a global reference, attracting over 10,000 participants from 50 countries. The event is known for hosting prominent speakers, such as the CEO of the World Ocean Council, Paul Holthus. This year, at the global event, Holthus will lead a talk on sustainable practices in the blue economy and participate in a panel discussion of strategies to integrate sustainability with economic growth in the maritime sector.

In Brazil, the Tomorrow Blue Economy will bring together different stakeholders, such as businesses, the public sector, and students, and will feature a dedicated B2B area focused on technical content and business. This will ensure not only a broad exchange of knowledge but also extensive networking among attendees.

For more information on speakers, participation, and partnerships, visit the event’s website here.

About iCities

iCities is recognized as a pioneer in smart cities in Brazil. With over 12 years of experience and headquartered in Curitiba, the organization aims to provide a better quality of life for citizens, believing that smart people create smart cities. The company focuses its efforts on bringing together stakeholders to develop innovative projects and solutions in cities. With a broad portfolio of partnerships and contracts with companies and city governments, iCities works from studying and surveying demands to identifying specialized companies for the most diverse solutions for improving smarter cities. In addition, it stands out for its academic and executive training in related topics through the Smart City Expert and the Innovation Program for Public Management (PIGP). As holders of the Fira Barcelona seal of approval in Brazil, an international institution with 90 years of history and numerous global events, iCities also organizes two major events: the Smart City Expo Curitiba and the IoT Solutions Congress Brazil, combining technology, smart cities and quality of life.

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