Assunção Cristas participated as a speaker at the ‘BlueBioEconomy: A Path Forward’ event, organised by the BlueBio Alliance. The event, held on 4 December, brought together different experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the blue economy, with a focus on the sustainable use of marine biological resources.
The VdA lawyer took part in the panel ‘Overcoming Legal Barriers to Scale the Blue Bioeconomy’, which addressed licensing and approval requirements, the need to simplify regulations along supply chains, the controlled use of marine biological raw materials, best practices to introduce new ingredients and products, as well as the necessary regulations and certifications. Additionally, strategies for ensuring effective and scalable compliance in this emerging sector were discussed.
Among the main challenges identified included the lack of awareness of the authorisation process, the absence of medium and long-term planning, cultural and economic issues, and difficulties in accessing sources of funding. To overcome these obstacles, some key messages were shared:
- Early Engagement: Consult with DGRM and other regulatory bodies early in the planning phase to ensure compliance;
- Focus on Certification: Prioritize obtaining certifications (e.g., EU Organic, eco-labels, origin, traceability) to enhance credibility and market access;
- Leverage Funding: Explore grants and subsidies available for sustainable marine projects in Portugal;
- Build Expertise: Partner with legal and technical consultants specializing in the blue economy to navigate regulations efficiently;
- Sustainability First: Align your products with EU and Portuguese sustainability goals for competitive advantage.