Blue development and blue economy are relatively new terms, although blue economy has been developing for centuries. Its potential on European, Croatian or regional level is huge. New researches point out that the Blue Economy impact will double in next ten years. Although present in theory since 1990ties, blue economy in last few years as a part of the answer on the global challenges, has been followed by the aspects of Green Development, Green Economy Green Growth as synonyms for desirable and necessary transition towards sustainability. The definition of Green Economy in perspective of long-term sustainability, environment protection and reduced use of natural resources is defined as well. Recognizing the importance of blue-green economy for the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (PGKC) development, the authors describe the potentials and possibilities for development of the region, as well as analyse natural and other preconditions and point out the reached level of blue-green economy innovative sectors. The purpose of this research is to explain the importance of coastal area as a basic determinant for the blue-green economy as well as to analyze the development level of the blue-green economy in European Union, Croatia and PGKC. This paper determined the spatial, geographical, technical-technological and economical potential of PGKC, defined the regional advantages, peculiarities and limits of the blue-green economy implementation in PGKC and set the recommendations for the balanced development and maximal use of extensive regional potential.

Beaches are natural resources that substantially enrich the tourist offer. They are an extremely valuable resource, with economic, recreational, and health significance. Beaches are a place for socializing, sports and enjoying (sun, sea, and sand tourism product). Because of their different roles, especially urban and hotels/resorts beaches, they are exposed to various and numerous negative impacts caused by natural changes and human activity. Beaches should not be just an object for commercial use, as their meaning for people is much wider. This research focuses on managing and protecting beaches that require social responsibility due to their determining role in the national economies. The guidelines for effective management primarily refer the necessity of developing intellectual resources, the coordination between institutions, ensuring pro-activity and being holistic oriented in managing beaches. Scientists and professionals need to recognize their importance and take action to preserve this valuable asset for future generations. In that sense, the purpose of this research is to analyse the legal regulation and to highlight the differences and similarities between two countries, Croatia and Portugal, which due to their physical geography, climate and tourism activity, are based mainly on beach-related activities.