WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The University of North Carolina Wilmington has launched the UNC Wilmington Blue Economy Index, per an announcement on Monday, Feb. 5.

The term Blue Economy refers to using ocean resources sustainably for economic growth and jobs while making sure to keep the ecosystem healthy.

“The index further endorses UNCW and Wilmington as a globally recognized Blue Economy hub,” said UNCW Chancellor Aswani Volety. “In developing this index at UNCW, a key intention is to attract innovators, students and financiers to the Wilmington region to help solve the environmental challenges around the oceans and sustain the economic development in coastal towns.”

The index came from a partnership between the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Alliance for The Blue Economy, the UNCW Cameron School of Business and FactSet.

“UNCW, North Carolina’s coastal university, has world-class expertise in areas related to this index. We believe in the power of education to show that the ocean is important as a food source, for discovery, for recreation, for human health – and has one of the leading GDPs if its ‘economy’ was a stand-alone country,” said Heather McWhorter, UNCW CIE director. “We expect this globally important program will contribute significantly to student and community learning about the blue economy’s impact around the world.”

You can find more information about the UNC Wilmington Blue Economy Index on the university’s website.

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