Blue Geochemistry: Sustainable Development in Libya Based on Blue Carbon

Osama Rahil Shaltami; Hamza Al Matoni; Mustafa  A. Ben Hkoma

doi:10.71147/kgpjbe08

Authors

Osama Rahil Shaltami 1Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Benghazi University, Libya & 2Libyan Centre for Sustainable Development Researches Author
Hamza Al Matoni 3Department of Engineering Geology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Bright Star, Libya Author
Mustafa A. Ben Hkoma Libyan Centre for Sustainable Development Researches, & 4Libyan Centre for Studies and Researches of Sciences and Environment Technology, Middle Zone Branch, Zliten, Libya Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71147/kgpjbe08

Keywords:

Blue Geochemistry, Blue Carbon, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Libya

Abstract

The authors coined the term "blue geochemistry" in this article. Blue geochemistry is the study of blue carbon ecosystems. Consequently, one may consider blue geochemistry to be a branch of green geochemistry. Blue economy and blue carbon are related ideas that focused on the sustainable utilization of coastal and marine environments. Seagrasses, salt marshes, and mangroves are ecosystems that store and collect carbon, which is known as blue carbon. Meanwhile, the blue economy includes sustainable development and economic activities associated with the coasts and seas. This study's objective is to assess Libya's blue carbon using the BCDI and provide recommendations for the country's sustainable future development. Salt marshes and seagrasses are widespread in the Libyan coast, while mangroves cannot grow there naturally due to unsuitable conditions. These ecosystems are threatened by a variety of issues, including pollution, habitat degradation, and unsustainable coastal expansion. Libya consistently has low BCDI scores due to poor management and preservation of blue carbon ecosystems, and serious climate change problems.

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