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A new transnational comparative study led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst highlights the challenges and successes of coastal communities in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic while adopting sustainable development strategies. The project, which surveyed local authorities (e.g., municipalities and planning agencies) in Costa Rica, Germany, Scotland and the U.S. state of Massachusetts, explores how communities dependent on marine-related industries of the blue economy have responded to economic shocks and environmental challenges.

“This study identifies the blue economy development strategies prioritized in different regions,” says lead researcher Marta Vicarelli, assistant professor of economics and public policy at UMass Amherst. “We expect that our work will inform the design of innovative sustainable policies aimed at further increasing community resilience and well-being.”

Researchers found that municipalities in all four regions experienced significant economic and operational disruptions between early 2020 and mid-2021. Local governments in Costa Rica, Germany and Scotland reported severe economic setbacks, while Massachusetts municipalities noted moderate to severe impacts. Coastal tourism, hospitality and food services were among the hardest-hit sectors across all regions.

While the pace of economic recovery varied, most municipalities reported at least partial recovery by 2024. In Scotland and Massachusetts, around 40% of municipalities indicated a return to pre-pandemic economic conditions, while in Costa Rica, 40% reported exceeding pre-pandemic conditions. However, many local governments cited workforce shortages, inflation and supply-chain disruptions as ongoing challenges.

The concept of a “green recovery” — integrating economic recovery with environmental sustainability — has been widely discussed in Scotland (92% of municipalities) and Massachusetts (46%), but less so in Germany (24%) and Costa Rica (16%), according to the survey. However, despite differing levels of engagement with the term, all regions have implemented sustainability-focused strategies.

In Costa Rica, municipalities prioritized “working with nature,” including reforestation and wetland restoration, with 82% adopting these practices. Germany has focused on decarbonization and renewable energy. Massachusetts municipalities share the priority areas identified in Costa Rica and Germany and, in addition, have prioritized green infrastructure projects such as nature-based solutions. In Scotland, most municipalities have embraced sustainable development initiatives, with 91% working toward decarbonization and 73% investing in renewable energy projects.

However, financial constraints, governance challenges and data limitations remain significant barriers to advancing green recovery efforts. Vicarelli notes that municipalities often struggle to access funding and coordinate initiatives across different levels of government.

Researchers from the University of Glasgow, the United Nations University and the University of Costa Rica also participated in the project. The study received support from the U.S. National Science Foundation, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the Canadian International Development Research Centre and UK Research and Innovation.