Actualités Archives

Conférence AZA4ICE de Tanger : Innover pour une aquaculture durable sur les deux rives de la Méditerranée

26 juillet 2026/dans Actualités /par Egbert Hoogstad

Les 8 et 9 juillet 2026, les représentants du Hub marocain de l’initiative WestMED ont participé à Tanger à la conférence « Deux rives, un avenir bleu : l’aquaculture circulaire à travers et au-delà de la Méditerranée ». Organisé par le projet AZA4ICE (programme Interreg Euro-MED), cet événement a réuni une cinquantaine de parties prenantes. Son objectif : transférer vers la rive Sud les technologies et les approches innovantes dans le domaine de l’aquaculture circulaire déjà déployées avec succès au Nord.

Une forte mobilisation institutionnelle et privée

Le Maroc était représenté par le Secrétariat d’État chargé de la Pêche maritime, l’ANDA, l’INRH, ainsi que par l’Association Marocaine de l’Aquaculture pour le secteur privé. Côté rive Nord, la rencontre a mobilisé des universités et des centres de recherche de Grèce, d’Italie, d’Espagne et du Portugal, les clusters industriels Pôle Mer Méditerranée (France) et ACUIPLUS (Espagne), ainsi que des agences nationales de développement venues structurer les débats sur la gouvernance et le financement transnational.

Des débats axés sur l’action et le financement

Les tables rondes ont permis de dresser l’état des lieux de l’aquaculture au Maroc et de capitaliser sur les résultats du projet AZA4ICE. Les participants ont également exploré les pistes de financement de la transition durable et de la recherche, notamment via le programme PRIMA et les agences d’aide au développement.

WestMED : un bilan concret et des outils d’incubation de projets

Lors de ses interventions, Mme Elke Westenberger, co-hub marocain, a rappelé le rôle moteur de WestMED dans la promotion d’une économie bleue intelligente, sûre et résiliente, forte d’un bilan de 216 projets soutenus et de 115 millions d’euros investis. Elle a mis en lumière les six groupes de travail thématiques de l’initiative, véritables cadres de partage d’expertises et de connaissances. Ces laboratoires d’incubation sont conçus pour bâtir des partenariats solides entre les deux rives de la Méditerranée et pour concevoir des projets bancables, éligibles aux fonds européens.

Une vision stratégique pour l’avenir des côtes marocaines

Pour transformer les intentions en investissements concrets, le Hub Maroc a mis en avant la feuille de route ambitieuse du Royaume visant à créer neuf clusters maritimes régionaux tout au long de ses deux façades, méditerranéenne et atlantique. Ces clusters seront dotés de pipelines de projets d’investissements intégrés et adaptés aux vocations et potentialités des neuf régions côtières du Maroc. L’accent a également été mis sur l’Alliance des Clusters Maritimes Méditerranéens, présentée comme un mécanisme crucial pour structurer ces écosystèmes industriels et technologiques, favoriser le transfert de compétences et pérenniser la coopération transfrontalière.

L’événement s’est clôturé par une visite d’étude du Centre d’excellence de pathologies des animaux aquatiques de l’INRH basé à Tanger, illustrant les avancées locales en matière de recherche scientifique et de biosécurité.

WestMED voices highlight the role of technology and cooperation for a sustainable Mediterranean

21 juillet 2026/dans Actualités /par Communication team

How can technology help protect the Mediterranean while supporting economic growth? According to members of the WestMED Initiative, the answer lies in better data, stronger collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability.

During a site visit organised to Mediterranean Algae following the WestMED Steering Committee in Alicante, five representatives from Greece, Libya, Portugal and Morocco shared their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges shaping the region’s blue economy.

Despite their different backgrounds, their message was remarkably consistent: innovation is no longer optional.

Advanced technologies are playing an increasingly important role in monitoring marine ecosystems, improving ocean observation and helping researchers better understand the impacts of climate change. At the same time, they are creating new opportunities for startups and businesses developing solutions for Europe’s blue economy.

The interviewees also stressed that technology alone cannot solve the region’s environmental challenges.

Protecting nature requires coordinated action, supported by reliable environmental data. Better data collection and, crucially, data sharing between Mediterranean countries can provide the evidence needed to inform policies, influence decision-makers and accelerate action on climate and marine conservation.

One participant noted that without data, it is difficult to demonstrate the urgency of changing behaviours and policies. Others highlighted the importance of strengthening environmental data networks and ensuring that information is shared across borders to achieve common goals.

The interviews concluded with a call for greater collaboration. Organisations were encouraged to engage stakeholders, involve local communities and keep environmental sustainability at the centre of every initiative.

By exchanging knowledge and working together, the WestMED Initiative continues to demonstrate how regional cooperation can help build a more resilient, innovative and sustainable future for the Mediterranean.

Watch the video on YouTube

With:

Thanos Smanis: EU Sea Basin Strategies Assistance Mechanism Central team | Blue Economy consultant Climazul – Greece
Filipa Sousa: WestMED Steering Committee member – Directorate General Maritime Policy Portugal
Ali Shagrune: WestMED Steering Committee member Libya | President of the Libyan Maritime cluster
Siham Amonou: WestMED Steering Committee Morocco – Department of Maritime Fisheries

family phot sea basin strategies team at the Macro-regional and Sea Basin Strategies Days in Brussels July 2026

European Strategies Days 2026: Connecting Regions, Skills and Blue Economy Priorities

20 juillet 2026/dans Actualités /par Communication team

Brussels – Cooperation has long underpinned European territorial policy. At this year’s EU Macro-Regional and Sea Basin Strategies Days, the focus shifted from strategy to delivery.

Held on 8–9 July, the third edition of the event brought together policymakers, regional authorities and practitioners to strengthen cooperation among Europe’s four Macro-Regional Strategies – the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), Danube (EUSDR), Adriatic-Ionian (EUSAIR) and Alpine Region (EUSALP) – and its four Sea Basin initiatives: the Atlantic Maritime Strategy, the WestMED Initiative, the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea and the Greater North Sea Basin Initiative (GNSBI).

Against the backdrop of discussions on the EU’s post-2027 budget, the event highlighted how these frameworks are increasingly supporting resilience, competitiveness and the sustainable blue economy.

A milestone for Europe’s Sea Basins

For the first time, the four Sea Basin initiatives shared a stand in the Networking Village under the banner « From Strategy to Action: the EU Sea Basin Strategies. »

The stand showcased projects from across Europe’s maritime regions, encouraging exchanges between policymakers, project partners and stakeholders. Visitors also viewed the new EU Sea Basins video and a photographic exhibition highlighting initiatives in blue economy development, maritime innovation, environmental protection, blue skills and regional cooperation.

Blue Skills in the spotlight

One of the best-attended side events on the opening day focused on Blue Skills, as part of the workshop on social sustainability for the green and digital transition.

Co-moderated by Matteo Bocci, Deputy Team Leader of the EU Sea Basins Assistance Mechanism, and Elise Wattrelot of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR), the interactive session explored how cooperation between education, research and industry can help prepare the workforce for the green and digital transitions.

The discussion also showcased the WestMED Technical Group on Blue Skills, a new initiative bringing together experts and national representatives to strengthen cooperation on education, training and employment across the sustainable blue economy.

Building stronger synergies

On the second day, the panel « Further synergies among the Macro-Regional and Sea Basin Strategies: Cooperation potential at the thematic level, » was co-moderated by Matteo Bocci from the EU Sea Basins Assistance Mechanism and Robert Lichtner, Danube Strategy Point Coordinator for the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR).

Bringing together experts and National Hubs from the Atlantic, WestMED and Black Sea regions, alongside representatives of the four Macro-Regional Strategies, the discussion examined practical opportunities for collaboration in areas including green shipping, maritime spatial planning, renewable energy, sustainable tourism, maritime clusters, investment and SME development.

Rather than focusing solely on governance structures, the session highlighted how stronger thematic cooperation can help capitalise on successful projects, increase stakeholder engagement and support the implementation of European policy priorities across sea basins and macro-regions.

Looking ahead

The 2026 Strategies Days demonstrated how Europe’s Macro-Regional and Sea Basin Strategies are evolving from coordination platforms into practical delivery mechanisms for European priorities.

The discussions in Brussels will continue beyond the event itself. Technical Groups, National Events and Regional Sea Basin Workshops provide valuable opportunities for Sea Basin and Macro-Regional experts to build on the exchanges, deepen thematic cooperation and identify concrete areas for collaboration. These platforms help transform ideas discussed at European level into practical initiatives involving regions, stakeholders and project communities.

The next milestones will provide further opportunities to strengthen these connections, including the Atlantic–WestMED Conference in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on 15–16 September 2026, and the Common Maritime Agenda (CMA) for the Black Sea Conference on 30 September 2026 in Burgas, Bulgaria. Both events will bring together stakeholders from their respective sea basins to address shared challenges, exchange knowledge and explore new opportunities for cooperation.

From the joint Sea Basin presence in the Networking Village to discussions on blue skills and thematic synergies, the event illustrated the growing value of cross-border partnerships. As Europe prepares its next programming period, stronger collaboration between regions and sea basins will remain central to building a resilient, competitive and sustainable blue economy.

Download the concept note/ agenda for this Synergies session here

Visit the Macro-regional and Sea Basin Strategies days website

Check the Atlantic-WestMED Stakeholder Conference 2026

Check the CMA Black Sea Conference 2026

Photos copyright: EUinmy region

panel with expert women seated on stage at the malta sustainability forum 2026

Women shaping the blue economy in the spotlight at Malta Sustainability Forum 2026

18 juillet 2026/dans Actualités /par Communication team

The Malta Sustainability Forum (MSF) 2026, organised by APS Bank, brought together experts to explore the growing role of women in the blue economy and the opportunities for greater inclusion across Malta’s maritime sectors.

The discussion examined the challenges and possibilities facing women in industries ranging from maritime transport and innovation to the circular use of marine resources, highlighting the importance of diverse leadership in building a more sustainable and resilient future.

Among the keynote speakers was Dr Stephanie Vella, WestMED National Hub Malta, who underscored the country’s vast maritime potential with the striking observation: « We have 12 times more territorial waters than we have land area. » Her address highlighted the strategic importance of Malta’s marine resources and the need to ensure that women play a central role in shaping the future of the blue economy. The session encouraged meaningful dialogue on breaking down barriers while unlocking innovation and sustainable growth across the sector.

Rachael Blackburn, Head of Culture at APS Bank, emphasised that, « The transition towards a more sustainable blue economy is also an opportunity to reflect on who benefits from that progress. Through the Malta Sustainability Forum, we wanted to explore how greater inclusion can help ensure that women are empowered to shape the future of a sector that is so important to Malta. »

Next to Stepanie Vella and Rachael Blackburn you can hear the insights by:

Dr Claudia Vella Casagrande: Secretary General – Malta International Shipowners’Association
Ann Fenech: President, Comité Maritime International, partner and Head of Marine Litigation Department Fenech and Fenech Advocates, Co-founder Malta Maritime Forum
Shannon Weber, Chief Executive Officer and Strategic Director – Numinara
Dr Alexia Massa Gallucci: Managing Director and Founder – Blue EcoTech Ltd
Manya Russo: Marine Projects Manager – BirdLife Malta
Captain Alexia Fenech: President WISTA Malta
Matthew Swain, Head of Sustainability – APS Bank

Moderator of the panel discussion: Pauline Micallef: Chief Executive Officer – MaritimMT
Hosted by Leanne Bugeja: events manager – APS Bank

The full episode of Women in the Blue Economy is available to watch on YouTube or listen to on Spotify as part of the Malta Sustainability Forum’s commitment to helping audiences learn, engage and act.

Italy-Malta event 2026 - people seated around a big square table

Joint WestMED Italy–Malta National Event Advances Blue Economy Cooperation in Rome

17 juillet 2026/dans Actualités /par Communication team

Rome, Italy | 11–12 June 2026 – Policymakers, researchers, investors, maritime businesses and innovation stakeholders from Italy and Malta gathered in Rome for the fourth edition of the Joint WestMED National Event, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing a sustainable, innovative and connected blue economy across the Mediterranean, particularly towards the southern shore countries.

Organised under the WestMED Initiative, the two-day event focused on accelerating the deployment of mature maritime innovations, strengthening investment ecosystems and enhancing cooperation in strategic sectors including shipping, ports, offshore infrastructure, aquaculture, tourism and blue skills.

Accelerating innovation and investment

The opening day explored how high-readiness (TRL 8–9) research projects can move more rapidly from demonstration to commercial deployment by connecting innovators with investors, public authorities, development agencies and industry. Discussions also highlighted opportunities for closer Italy–Malta cooperation on decarbonisation, digitalisation, maritime security and infrastructure development. As highlighted by the event organisers, the gathering sought to bring together « national institutions, research bodies, investors and maritime stakeholders from both countries for two days of targeted cooperation » while helping to « shape the next wave of blue innovation. »

Building skills for the future

The second day focused on developing the human capital needed to sustain the Mediterranean’s blue economy. Universities, vocational education and training providers, research institutes and managing authorities exchanged experiences on strengthening Blue Skills networks and improving access to funding opportunities.

The goal was to gather Italian and Maltese stakeholders around their relevant national representatives within the Technical Group on Blue Skills, also in order to convey coordinated inputs from the ecosystem.

The programme concluded with a roundtable on how the outcomes of WestMED Technical Groups can contribute to future INTERREG programmes and strengthen collaboration across maritime clusters. Reflecting on the discussions, participants emphasised that « a stronger Blue Economy requires a coordinated innovation and investment pipeline: cutting administrative burdens and uniting banks, authorities, test-bed operators, and accelerators to bring solutions to market faster. »

Strengthening regional cooperation

The joint WestMED Italy–Malta National Event once again demonstrated the value of regional cooperation in addressing common environmental, technological and economic challenges across the Mediterranean.

The two national hubs will undertake an initiative to promote cross-border joint ventures, also as a way to enrich the Maltese and Italian ecosystems with a larger number of stakeholders, in the fields where each country wants to fill its existing gaps.

By fostering dialogue between governments, academia, industry and investors, the initiative continues to build practical partnerships capable of translating research into market-ready solutions while supporting the transition towards a greener, more resilient and competitive maritime economy.

With its growing network of stakeholders and continued focus on innovation, investment and skills, the annual Italy–Malta gathering has become an important milestone in advancing the objectives of the WestMED Initiative.

Agenda

For more information, mail Leonardo Manzari WestMED National Hub Italy | Stephanie Vella WestMED National Hub Malta

WestMED au cœur de la 7e Semaine nationale de l’océan au Maroc

6 juillet 2026/dans Actualités /par Egbert Hoogstad

M’diq : L’Initiative WestMED au cœur de la 7ᵉ Semaine Bleue, organisée par l’association des enseignants des sciences de la vie et de la terre AESVT Maroc

Dans le cadre de la 7ᵉ Semaine des Océans 2026, une session dédiée à l’Initiative WestMED s’est tenue au Théâtre Lalla Aicha à M’diq. Animée par M. Hassan Agouzoul, cette rencontre a mis en exergue l’importance stratégique de l’économie bleue pour l’avenir des territoires côtiers du Maroc.

L’économie bleue : un levier de croissance durable pour les territoires

Devant une audience attentive de 78 participants réunie au Théâtre Lalla Aicha de M’diq et représentants les catégories des ONGs locales, jeunes entrepreneurs, étudiants et chercheurs et les agences publiques, M. Hassan Agouzoul, expert et hub national de l’Initiative WestMED au Maroc, a mis en lumière le rôle crucial de l’économie bleue en tant que moteur du développement durable et de la résilience territoriale.

Lors de son intervention, il a détaillé les grandes priorités portées par l’Initiative WestMED pour la région méditerranéenne :

Préservation environnementale : La protection rigoureuse des écosystèmes marins.
Innovation et compétences : La promotion de technologies innovantes et le renforcement des capacités locales.
Infrastructures et réseaux : Le développement des ports verts et la structuration de clusters maritimes régionaux.
Financement de projets : La mobilisation active de financements en faveur des initiatives liées à la mer.

Synergie et coopération : les clés d’une économie maritime résiliente

Les débats qui ont suivi la présentation ont convergé vers une certitude : le succès d’une économie bleue durable repose sur une approche participative et inclusive. Les participants ont ainsi souligné l’impératif de renforcer les passerelles de coopération entre :

Les institutions publiques,
Les universités et centres de recherche,
La société civile,
La jeunesse, actrice majeure du changement.

Cette dynamique collective est jugée indispensable pour accélérer la mise en œuvre de projets maritimes résilients, fortement générateurs d’emplois locaux et parfaitement alignés avec les Objectifs de Développement Durable (ODD) des Nations Unies.

Un carrefour d’échange et d’innovation méditerranéen

Cette journée s’est affirmée comme un espace privilégié de dialogue et de partage d’expériences à l’échelle méditerranéenne. En favorisant la confrontation positive des idées, l’événement a non seulement permis de dresser un état des lieux des défis actuels, mais a surtout stimulé l’émergence de projets novateurs dédiés à la fois à la sauvegarde des océans et à la prospérité durable des régions littorales.

Téléchargez les diapositives de la présentation utilisées par Hassan Agouzoul

Pour plus d’informations : veuillez contacter Hassan Agouzoul (Pôle national westMED au Maroc): morocco@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu

panel with experts seated behind a table on stage

Mediterranean Blue Economy Conference Highlights Innovation and Regional Cooperation in Cartagena

2 juillet 2026/dans Actualités /par Communication team

Cartagena, Spain | 23 June 2026 – More than 120 policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and maritime stakeholders gathered at the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT) for the Mediterranean Blue Economy Conference 2026, a flagship event organised under the MED-Hubs project.

The conference explored how interregional cooperation, innovation and investment can accelerate sustainable blue economy growth across the Mediterranean. Throughout the day, participants exchanged insights on Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3), emerging blue technologies, financing opportunities and the role of innovation hubs in bringing market-ready solutions closer to deployment.

The event also marked an important milestone for MED-Hubs with the presentation of two innovation testbeds in Spain and Italy, alongside the launch of a new cohort of startups joining the MED-Hubs Acceleration Programme

Strengthening Mediterranean innovation ecosystems

A central theme of the conference was the need to strengthen cross-border innovation ecosystems to unlock sustainable blue growth across the region.

During Panel 2 – Connecting Mediterranean Innovation Ecosystems for Blue Growth, Celia Murcia, WestMED Assistance Mechanism Coordinator and CEO of BLUE-JOBS, highlighted the importance of stronger connections between regional stakeholders, innovation hubs and public authorities. Building these links, she noted, is essential to creating clearer pathways that move research and innovation from laboratories to real-world application.

Her contribution underscored the role of initiatives such as WestMED and MED-Hubs in fostering collaboration across Mediterranean regions, enabling innovators to access expertise, strategic partnerships and opportunities to scale sustainable maritime solutions.

Empowering coastal communities through collaboration

The afternoon programme turned to the social dimension of the blue economy with Panel 3 – Empowering Coastal Communities in the Blue Economy Transition.

Javier Fernández López, Technical Director at ECORYS Spain and Team Leader of the EU Sea Basin Strategies Assistance Mechanism, joined fellow panellists to discuss how coastal communities can take an active role in building a more sustainable and resilient maritime economy.

Rather than viewing coastal communities solely as beneficiaries of the transition, the discussion emphasised their role as co-designers, validators and long-term partners in shaping innovation and policy. Panellists stressed that local actors – including fishers, tourism businesses, entrepreneurs and environmental organisations – are central to strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of coastal regions.

The conversation also highlighted that the success of the blue economy depends on more than technological advances and policy frameworks. Skills development, local ownership, social inclusion and community resilience are equally critical, prompting an important question: who ultimately benefits from sustainable blue growth?

Watch Javier’s presentation with an excerpt from the panel discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N0xoFwSOfw

Building momentum for sustainable blue growth

The conference concluded with a clear message: collaboration remains the driving force behind a competitive and sustainable Mediterranean blue economy.

By bringing together governments, research organisations, businesses, investors and regional authorities, the event showcased how initiatives such as MED-Hubs and the WestMED Initiative are helping bridge the gap between research, innovation and market deployment.

Beyond the exchange of ideas, the Mediterranean Blue Economy Conference strengthened partnerships that will continue to support maritime innovation, empower coastal communities and advance inclusive blue growth across the Mediterranean.

WestMED-supported partnerships showcase the value of Smart Specialisation at the S3 Community of Practice Conference 2026

2 juillet 2026/dans Actualités /par Communication team

Brussels, 23–24 June 2026 – More than 450 policymakers, regional authorities, innovation agencies and experts gathered in Brussels for the fifth Smart Specialisation Community of Practice (S3 CoP) Conference, organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO).

Under the theme « Regions Driving European Innovation and Competitiveness », participants concluded that Smart Specialisation has become a strategic framework for boosting regional competitiveness, accelerating industrial transformation and strengthening Europe’s innovation capacity.

Discussions underlined the importance of reinforcing implementation, improving policy coordination and expanding interregional cooperation to help regions respond to emerging European priorities, from the green and digital transitions to the new competitiveness agenda.

From strategy to implementation

Among the conference’s breakout sessions, Matteo Bocci (WestMED central team) and Leonardo Manzari (WestMED National Hub Italy) moderated a discussion exploring how Smart Specialisation partnerships are transforming regional strategies into practical cooperation. The exchange focused on the added value of interregional collaboration in aligning investments, connecting complementary innovation ecosystems and developing joint value chains that deliver concrete results for regions across Europe.

Participants agreed that successful Smart Specialisation depends on strong governance, long-term partnerships and the ability to translate regional strengths into collaborative projects with European added value.

WestMED partnerships in the spotlight

The session showcased two partnerships supported by the WestMED Initiative as examples of Smart Specialisation in action.

Mario Dogliani, President of SDG4MED, presented the S3 SAFA partnership (Shipbuilding Alternative Fuels Alliance – also known as the Shipbuilding Propulsion Systems Alliance), which brings together European regions to accelerate the uptake of alternative fuels in the shipbuilding and maritime industries. By fostering interregional cooperation, the partnership supports innovation across the maritime value chain, helping regions develop cleaner technologies, strengthen industrial competitiveness and contribute to the decarbonisation of the blue economy.

Valeria Patruno, representing the S3 REMADE partnership (Marine Desalination and Treated Wastewater Reuse), an interregional collaboration focused on advancing resource‑efficient water management solutions. The partnership brings together regions committed to developing innovative approaches for desalination, wastewater treatment, and water reuse, supporting the transition toward a sustainable and circular blue bioeconomy.

Together, the two partnerships demonstrated how Smart Specialisation is moving from strategy to implementation. By connecting regional expertise, fostering knowledge exchange and mobilising joint investment, SAFA and REMADE illustrate the added value of interregional cooperation in delivering Europe’s innovation, sustainability and competitiveness objectives.

Looking ahead

The conference closed with a clear message: Europe’s competitiveness increasingly depends on the capacity of regions to innovate together. Smart Specialisation will continue to play a central role by connecting regional strengths with European priorities, fostering collaboration across borders and supporting investment in strategic value chains.

The experiences presented through the SAFA and REMADE partnerships demonstrated how the WestMED Initiative contributes to this ambition by enabling regions to co-create solutions, share expertise and develop innovation projects with lasting impact across the Mediterranean.

Visit the event website with a full overview of this 2 day event

magazine mock with airplane from Berniq Airways

WestMED Initiative Takes Flight with Landmark Four-Page Feature in Libya’s Leading Magazine

28 juin 2026/dans Actualités /par Communication team

The WestMED Initiative has achieved a significant media milestone in North Africa after being featured in a comprehensive, dedicated spread by Berniq magazine, one of Libya’s most prominent and widely distributed publications.

A Deep Dive into Libya’s Blue Economy

The extensive feature spans four full pages, offering an in-depth look at the WestMED Initiative and its pivotal role in promoting the Blue Economy in Libya. The article provides a nuanced analysis of the specific opportunities and challenges facing the nation’s maritime sectors, while underscoring the vital importance of sustainable blue growth for Libya’s future economic and environmental resilience.

Beyond theoretical frameworks, the publication reflects on the tangible progress made so far, highlighting the key activities and achievements successfully carried out under the WestMED Libyan National Hub. It underscores how coordinating local efforts with European-Mediterranean frameworks is driving practical, national strategies for coastal preservation and maritime economic growth.

Unlocking Premium Visibility

What makes this feature uniquely impactful is the exceptional, high-flying reach of Berniq magazine:

In-Flight Access: As the flagship publication of Berniq Airlines, the magazine is distributed directly onboard flights traveling to and from major hubs in the Middle East, offering premium visibility to regional business travelers, investors, policymakers, and international passengers.
Widespread Ground Distribution: Beyond the skies, Berniq enjoys a robust domestic presence, readily available to the public across major Libyan bookstores, libraries, and cultural hubs.

An Asset for Outreach and Dissemination

This publication represents an incredibly important awareness and visibility contribution for the initiative. By bridging the gap between complex maritime policy and the general public, it marks a major step forward in raising regional awareness for sustainable fishing, maritime safety, and coastal tourism throughout Libya and beyond.

Read the article (AR)

High-Level Discussions Drive Libya’s Maritime and Blue Economy Agenda Forward

17 juin 2026/dans Actualités /par Communication team

A constructive meeting was held today between His Excellency Dr. Adel Sultan, Minister of Marine Resources of the Government of National Unity, and Eng. Ali Shagrune, President of the Libyan Maritime Cluster and WestMED’s Libyan National Coordinator, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation.

Reaffirming Support for the Libyan Maritime Cluster

The discussions highlighted the strategic national role of the Libyan Maritime Cluster in advancing the Blue Economy and supporting sustainable maritime development. H.E. the Minister reaffirmed his full support for the Cluster’s efforts to strengthen the marine sector and enhance cooperation with national, regional, and international partners.

Acknowledging Progress in Fisheries and Aquaculture

Eng. Ali Shagrune expressed his sincere appreciation to H.E. Dr. Adel Sultan for the Ministry’s continued commitment to developing the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, completing essential infrastructure projects, and contributing to sustainable development and food security across Libya.

Commitment to Capacity Building and Combating IUU Fishing

Both sides commended the Minister’s dedication to building national capacities, increasing production, combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and promoting training and capacity‑building programmes aimed at improving sector performance and boosting its contribution to the national economy.

Advancing Libya’s Blue Economy Vision

The meeting also underscored the importance of further embedding Blue Economy principles into Libya’s development agenda. Particular emphasis was placed on creating employment opportunities through specialised training programmes for young people and new entrants to the private labour market, enabling greater participation in maritime and economic activities and opening new avenues for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Strengthening Coordination for National and Regional Impact

In conclusion, both parties stressed the need for continued coordination between the Ministry of Marine Resources and the Libyan Maritime Cluster to advance national interests and support Libya’s vision for a prosperous and sustainable Blue Economy, strengthening the country’s position at regional and international levels.