Amsterdam, Monday 17 November – The Superyacht Forum kicked off with a keynote by Gunter Pauli, visionary entrepreneur and global sustainability leader, who invited the audience to reflect on the relationship between innovation, nature, and business. Pauli immediately emphasized a fundamental principle: without seeing and understanding people, communication cannot work. “If I cannot look into the eyes of those who listen, I cannot connect,” he said, introducing his entrepreneurial philosophy, which combines observation of nature and innovation as tools to compete even in markets dominated by large companies. His key strategy is to change the rules of the game, creating competitive advantages through sustainable and innovative models, likening himself to David against Goliath.

Insights from Nature

Pauli explained how understanding ecosystems is essential to designing sustainable economic solutions. Using the example of wolves along rivers, he showed how their presence regulates deer populations, preserves riparian vegetation, and supports aquatic life. This nature-inspired logic forms the basis of his vision of the Blue Economy: circular and sustainable economic models arise from observing natural systems and the ability to turn environmental challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities.

Entrepreneurial Experiences and Sustainable Innovations

Pauli’s career is full of concrete examples of ecological innovation. With Eco, an eco-friendly detergent company, he decided in 1986 to build zero-emission factories and encourage sustainable mobility among employees, demonstrating that environmental choices can translate into real competitive advantages.

His path to true sustainability did not stop there: he discovered that palm oil production was destroying habitats in Indonesia. The solution came from Brazil, where Pauli transformed citrus waste into raw materials for detergent production, combining innovation with environmental responsibility.

Blue Economy and Creation of New Industries

Pauli introduced the concept of the Blue Economy as a model for generating entire sustainable industrial sectors, using local resources and transforming existing structures into bio-refineries and innovative plants. Competitiveness, he emphasized, comes from integrating knowledge and practices that others cannot replicate, creating concrete and lasting advantages. This approach allows for the development of new industrial sectors capable of generating wealth and social value without harming the environment.

Global Projects and Educational Approach

Pauli participated in the early COPs and collaborated with companies such as Toyota to implement innovative concepts on a global scale. Between 1994 and 2009, he completed over 100 projects, mobilizing $5 billion. His experience demonstrates that success does not come from ideas alone, but from effective implementation and business model design.

Pauli’s educational commitment is also evident in his 365 books for children, designed to inspire new generations to explore the ocean and develop practical skills such as scuba diving. His philosophy is clear: turn pleasure into purpose and purpose into pleasure, teaching young people to connect with the environment and imagine new sustainable economic possibilities.

Innovations in the Nautical and Maritime Sector

Pauli also focused on innovations in yachting:

·        Onboard Energy: a combination of solar panels, kites, and hydrogen production to make yachts autonomous and sustainable.

·        Sustainable Design: multifunctional bamboo interiors designed according to origami principles to optimize space and functionality without compromising aesthetics.

·        Advanced Ocean Communications: development of light-based networks and AM radio systems to connect seabed and surface without relying on satellites.

Pauli highlighted that connectivity at sea is a strategic growth area: improving communication between yachts and the outside world enables medical services in remote areas, spreads information, and creates new economic opportunities.

Technology and the Future

Among the most revolutionary innovations he presented are the 3D “spatial web,” real-time underwater communications, and high-speed video streaming. The use of invisible light underwater, designed not to interfere with marine life, demonstrates how technology and environmental respect can coexist. Pauli stressed that the future of the Blue Economy depends on these solutions, capable of enabling new markets and sustainable experiences.

The core of Gunter Pauli’s speech is clear: innovation and sustainability must be integrated into entrepreneurial competitiveness. Teaching alone is not enough; it is essential to inspire and provide practical tools for action. Only then can the Blue Economy generate real growth, create a positive environmental impact, and transform sectors such as yachting into models of sustainable, efficient, and creative development.

Filippo Ceragioli