The European Maritime Day (EMD) 2024 is taking place again as a fully-fledged physical event, in Svendborg, Denmark on 30-31 May 2024. As every year, this will not be the only action to celebrate our seas and oceans and the sustainable blue economy.
EMD In My Country 2024 events will also take place all over Europe from 1 April till 31 October 2024.
In 2023, EMD In My Country was again, another great success, with almost 500 virtual, physical and hybrid events, covering all the sea basins of the EU!
Are you ready to submit your event(s) for 2024?
Fill in the online application form before 29 February 2024 and bring European Maritime Day 2024 to your country!
EMD In My Country 2024 will include physical, virtual and hybrid events that will take place from 1 April to 31 October 2024.
EMD In My Country is a key part of the wave of ocean awareness and activism that has been rising steadily in recent years: the events under its brand have become more and more popular, attracting more thousands of participants every year. Local activities such as beach clean ups, guided tours of ports, art exhibitions, workshops, conferences, seminars, exhibitions on maritime themes, ocean literacy actions, eco-tours and walks in areas with significant maritime heritage, boat excursions, visits to maritime museums, ships, aquaria, shipyards etc. aim to a wide audience across Europe, with a « fun and game » component directly appealing to a younger public.
How will the event be promoted?
By registering your event, it will be prominently featured on the European Maritime Day website through an interactive map. Event organisers will also receive a communication package (visuals) and social media material to help them disseminate their event(s), as well as a certificate of participation from the European Commission.
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/emd-in-my-country-2024-poster.jpg680680Communication teamhttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngCommunication team2023-12-19 11:23:322024-03-01 09:16:14Bring European Maritime Day to your country in 2024!
On 26 On January 2023, CINEA together with DG MARE, launched the ‘Community of Practice on Maritime Spatial Planning for the Mediterranean’, with the support of the WestMED Initiative, the MSP Assistance Mechanism and Union for Mediterranean.
This is a voluntary, enthusiastic group of experts from EU and non-EU countries working on MSP in the Mediterranean.
It was established based on a growing need from the MSP Community for a continuous and structured dialogue at sea basin and sub-sea basin level.
The main objective of this MED-MSP-CoP is to establish a permanent exchange between MSP practitioners across borders (i.e. planners, technical experts, researchers), to share knowledge and relevant experiences in the region, reach a shared perspective on MSP topics of common interest and enhance the cooperation between the north and the south shore of the Mediterranean.
In its first year, 3 workshops and 4 thematic webinars have been organised – mostly online. Participants indicated the added value of this platform and plans are underway to continue with these meetings in the years ahead.
If you want learn more and/ or join this Community of Practice, all information can be be found on the MED-MSP-COP webpage
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/street-scape-positano-italycompr-e1691334613690.jpg12771920Communication teamhttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngCommunication team2023-12-19 05:06:432023-12-19 14:26:42MED MSP Community of Practice: experts from across the Mediterranean unite to share experiences and align perspectives
Les leaders et passionnés de l’industrie maritime se réunissent à Marseille du 30 janvier au 1er février 20pour échanger sur les derniers développements dans les secteurs maritimes et fluviaux lors d’EUROMARITIME, qui est à la fois une vitrine et un accélérateur d’affaires depuis sa création en 2020.
L’événement est un forum dynamique permettant aux parties prenantes de participer à des discussions sur les problématiques actuelles, les avancées techniques et les développements politiques. EUROMARITIME offre ainsi une plateforme unique aux acteurs économiques, industriels, politiques et institutionnels pour aborder les défis et opportunités dans le transport maritime, la construction navale, la réparation navale, l’économie portuaire et l’avenir des technologies maritimes, avec pour objectif ultime de développer une économie bleue durable et à faibles émissions de carbone.
Il marquera également le lancement du premier Forum maritime eurafricain (FoMEA), dédié à la promotion de l’économie bleue et du développement maritime en Afrique. Il est donc à relier aux activités de l’initiative WestMED sur la rive sud de la Méditerranée.
Cet événement dans l’événement, qui réunira les acteurs maritimes africains autour de projets, d’institutions, d’autorités portuaires et de responsables de compagnies maritimes, aura lieu le jeudi 1er février 2024.
Rejoignez-nous pour de nouvelles idées de projets maritimes, des collaborations et des initiatives
Pleinement au fait de l’importance croissante des pratiques durables au sein de l’industrie maritime et à la suite des participations précédentes du Hub National Français WestMED aux éditions de 2020 et 2022, le mécanisme d’assistance de l’UE aux bassins maritimes s’apprête à être un exposant à EUROMARITIME. Avec plusieurs secteurs maritimes engagés vers la durabilité, la Commission européenne a reconnu la nécessité d’efforts concertés pour favoriser une économie bleue plus sûre, plus intelligente et plus résiliente.
Soutenant et mettant en œuvre les initiatives stratégiques pour l’économie bleue pour l’Atlantique, la Méditerranée occidentale et la mer Noire, le Mécanisme d’Assistance réunit des experts maritimes de ces bassins maritimes. Ces experts offrent un soutien de proximité aux PME, aux institutions de recherche, aux décideurs politiques et au monde universitaire en les accompagnant dans les étapes de développement de leurs projets bleus durables en identifiant les potentiels accès au financement de l’UE ou dans la recherche de partenaires.
Atelier du hub national français du mécanisme d’assistance de l’UE aux bassins maritimes | 30 janvier (14:00-17:00)
Le 30 janvier après-midi, le hub national français du mécanisme d’assistance de l’UE aux bassins maritimes organisera son événement national à EuroMaritime.
Cet événement prendra la forme d’un atelier dédié à la présentation des activités avec un accent sur deux sujets:
Les actions en matière d’économie bleue des régions françaises ; en particulier la Région Sud et sa coopération avec les pays de la rive sud de la Méditerranée.
Le rôle des deux stratégies de bassin maritime de l’UE (l’initiative OuestMED et la Stratégie Maritime Atlantique) et leurs synergies pour faciliter de nouveaux projets ainsi que la coopération.
Ce sera également l’occasion de rappeler les opportunités de financement et de discuter des idées de projets soutenant les stratégies de l’UE pour les deux bassins maritimes.
Accompagnement au développement de projets: Le mécanisme soutient activement les projets bleus en facilitant la recherche de partenaires pour les consortiums et fournit des conseils pour l’obtention de financements de l’UE. Cette assistance vise à faire passer les projets de la conception à la mise en œuvre. Cela se concrétise à travers la mise en œuvre des Initiatives des Bassins Maritimes, suivant les objectifs fixés dans les deux Déclarations Ministérielles de chaque Bassin Maritime approuvées en 2023 (plus d’informations sont disponibles dans la Déclaration Ministérielle de l’Atlantique et la Déclaration Ministérielle WestMED).
Animation de discussions thématiques de l’économie bleue: Pour favoriser les transitions durables, le Mécanisme d’Assistance initie et anime des discussions entre les parties prenantes. Ces discussions contribuent au développement de solutions innovantes et de meilleures pratiques pour une économie bleue plus durable et résiliente.
Renforcement des politiques bleues à tous les niveaux: Travaillant aux niveaux local, national, régional et européen, le Mécanisme d’Assistance plaide en faveur de politiques bleues robustes encourageant les synergies au sein et entre les Bassins Maritimes et en accord avec les objectifs des Initiatives des Bassins Maritimes. En alignant les politiques sur les objectifs de durabilité, le mécanisme vise à créer un environnement propice au développement des projets bleus.
Alors qu’EUROMARITIME se déroule à Marseille, la convergence des leaders de l’industrie maritime et la présence du Mécanisme d’Assistance de l’Économie Bleue de l’UE promettent de susciter de nouvelles idées, collaborations et initiatives qui façonneront l’avenir des industries maritimes.
Pour ceux qui souhaitent explorer le devant de la scène de l’innovation maritime et de la durabilité, visitez le site officiel d’EUROMARITIME.
Rencontrez le Mécanisme d’assistance à l’économie bleue de l’UE sur le stand de Pole Mer Mediterranee (B06).
Suivez-nous en ligne pour obtenir les dernières informations concernant les activités prévues dans le cadre de l’exposition :
This 2023 special edition of the GFCM’s flagship publication, The State of Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries, updates statistics and figures on the status and management of fisheries in the region and includes, for the first time, an overview of regional indicators on the aquaculture sector in Mediterranean and Black Sea countries.
It aims to deliver useful and reliable data to a wide audience as an essential source of information on fisheries and aquaculture in the region and a key tool to support decision-making and monitor progress towards the goals set by the GFCM.
The fifth instalment of its series, this publication covers topics of regional importance in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors over the course of seven chapters. Fleet status and capture fisheries production are the focus of the first two chapters, which include figures on fishing capacity and landings by country and fleet segment.
Chapter three captures the human dimension behind the region’s fisheries through socioeconomic data on revenue and employment. In chapter four, information on discards is updated and categorized for the main fishing fleets in each GFCM subregion, along with details on the species that make up this important component of the catch.
Chapter five reviews the status of fisheries resources, especially regional trends and trends in priority species, while chapter seven summarizes relevant existing and new adopted measures towards the sustainability of key fisheries and the protection of vulnerable ecosystems. Aquaculture is included in this edition for the first time, described in terms of volume and socioeconomic indicators in chapter six.
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MED-and-Black-Sea-fisheries-report.compr_.jpeg15001500Communication teamhttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngCommunication team2023-12-15 14:35:382023-12-19 08:45:26The State of Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries 2023
The Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Sciences de la Mer et de l’Aménagement du Littoral (ENSSMAL) recently hosted a noteworthy event exploring the crucial intersection of the blue economy and climate change.
This event brought together more than 80 participants, including high level experts, from various corners, with a major input by the WestMED Initiative, all united by a common purpose: safeguarding the well-being of our seas in the face of a changing climate.
The blue economy encompasses the sustainable utilization of sea resources for economic growth and development. It includes a broad spectrum of activities, ranging from fisheries and tourism to shipping and renewable energy generation. As a vital force in the regional economy, the blue economy sustains millions of livelihoods worldwide.
However, the blue economy’s prosperity is jeopardized by numerous challenges, including the ever-present threats of climate change, pollution, and overfishing.
Climate change’s influence on rising ocean temperatures has triggered concerning consequences, from coral bleaching and diminishing sea ice to altered fish stocks.
Pollution, particularly the alarming prevalence of plastic waste, poses a significant threat to sea health. Furthermore, unsustainable fishing practices exert immense pressure on numerous fish populations, threatening their long-term viability.
Main topics
The ENSSMAL conference served as a crucial platform to brainstorm solutions for these pressing challenges. The engaged participants, including prominent specialists from the WestMED Initiative, made a collaborative effort to foster sustainable development across the Western Mediterranean region and delved into various pertinent topics:
Understanding the Blue Economy: The panel of experts delved into the blue economy’s fundamental concepts, focusing on sustainable use of sea resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of sea ecosystems.
Climate Change impacts on marine Ecosystems: Discussions revolved around the latest research on how climate change is affecting marine biodiversity, sea levels, and oceanic weather patterns.
Innovative solutions and policies: Explore cutting-edge approaches and policy frameworks that can support the growth of a sustainable blue economy while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Networking opportunities: Connect with professionals, academics, and policymakers from various sectors to exchange ideas and forge partnerships for future collaborations.
Harnessing the blue economy’s potential for job creation and economic growth
The event’s success can be attributed to the insightful discussions, collaborative spirit, and valuable contributions from the diverse range of participants. It provided a much-needed platform to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and forge partnerships for future endeavors.
Emphasising crucial aspects
Beyond the aforementioned key points, the ENSSMAL event further emphasized the following crucial aspects:
The critical role of international collaboration in effectively addressing the challenges facing the blue economy.
The urgent need for increased investment in research and development to discover innovative solutions for sea conservation.
The importance of raising public awareness and fostering education initiatives to cultivate a collective understanding of the significance of protecting our seas.
The ENSSMAL event’s success lies in its emphasis on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and action-oriented solutions. It provided a valuable platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to connect, forge partnerships, and develop concrete strategies for tackling the impact of climate change.
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Afbeelding-van-WhatsApp-op-2023-11-28-om-15.48.13_4577bbcf-e1702641446402.jpg9001600National Hub Algeriahttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngNational Hub Algeria2023-12-15 10:51:012023-12-15 11:58:45WestMED experts join ENSSMAL’s 2nd International Conference in Algiers on Blue Economy and Climate Change
Launched as part of the Smart Specialisation Platform, the S3 CoP Observatory is a collaborative initiative involving DG REGIO G1, DG REGIO country desks, and the S3CoP Secretariat. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as Generative AI and entity extraction, the project team extracted and classified Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) priorities from regions’ and member states’ documents. The AI tools facilitated exercises like categorising strategies and priorities across different taxonomies, identifying keywords, and classifying priorities.
The Observatory invites regional/national institutions or bodies responsible for managing smart specialisation strategies to engage with them for rectifying or integrating information by contacting contact@s3-cop.eu.
Find out everything about the S3 CoP Observatory HERE!
Dans le cadre de l’initiative WestMED, le hub National de la Mauritanie, en étroite coordination avec le Ministère des Pêches et de l’Economie Maritime a organisé le Mardi 31 Octobre 2023, à l’hôtel de Nouakchott, le 4eme évènement national WestMED. Cette importante rencontre, présidée par le Secrétaire Général du Ministère des Pêches et de l’Economie Maritime et en présence du secrétaire Général du Ministère de l’Environnement.
. L’évènement a été co-organisé cette année avec le projet REBOOT MED, dont le partenaire national est le Parc National du Diawling (PND).
Ont pris part à cet évènement, en plus du hub national de la Mauritanie et du coordinateur national de l’initiative WestMed en Mauritanie, du représentant de l’Assistance Mécanisme de l’Initiative WestMED, M. Matteo Bocci, des représentants des principales institutions nationales concernées, des représentants du secteur privé, des organisations socio-professionnelles et de la société civile, des représentants des principales institutions de la recherche scientifique au niveau national et des représentants des principaux partenaires techniques et financiers. Au total 55 personnes ont pris part à cet important évènement
L’évènement a été marqué par une couverture médiatique très importante, avec la présence de tous les organes de la presse officielle nationale (Agence Mauritanienne d’Information, Télévision Nationale Al Mauritaniya, radio de Mauritanie), des télévisions privées et des plateformes de la presse Internet. L’évènement a été présenté parmi les éléments principaux dans le journal d’information des chaines officielles et privées en français, en arabe et en langues nationales diffusées dans la soirée du 31/10/2023.
Dans son discours d’ouverture de l’atelier, Monsieur Sidi Ali Sidi Boubacar, Secrétaire General du Ministère des Pêches et de l’Economie Maritime a tout d’abord remercié les participants et rappelé le contexte et les objectifs de l’initiative WestMED pour la promotion de l’économie bleue. Il a ainsi signalé que les efforts engagés par la coordination nationale, avec l’appui du hub national, ont permis une participation active de la Mauritanie dans tous les projets régionaux visant à promouvoir l’économie bleue dans l’espace méditerranéen, en particulier dans les domaines de la pêche, de l’aquaculture, du tourisme durable et des énergies renouvelables. Ces secteurs, sont considérés comme prioritaires pour la coprésidence mauritanienne de l’initiative WestMED pour l’année 2023.
Sidi Ali Sidi Boubacar a egalement mentionné que l’organisation de cet évènement intervient dans un contexte particulier, marqué par des défis grandissant auxquels fait face actuellement notre zone marine et côtière (exploitation d’hydrocarbures : gaz et pétrole, intensification des activités de pêche et du transport maritime, urbanisation, etc.), ce qui nécessite des nouvelles approches de gestion plus intégrées afin de garantir la durabilité de nos ressources et la préservation efficace de notre environnement. Par conséquent, la promotion d’une économie bleue est devenue une des priorités de la stratégie nationale du secteur des pêches et de l’Economie Maritime.
Après la séance d’ouverture officielle, Monsieur Mohamed Lemine Abdel Hamid (hub national) a fait une présentation du programme de l’évènement.
Par la suite, la parole a été donnée à Monsieur Matteo Bocci (expert Ecorys) qui a présenté une vue d’ensemble de l’initiative WestMED et les principaux projets en cours Il a ainsi mis en accent particulier sur le projet CallMeBlue qui vise à promouvoir les clusters maritimes dans l’espace Méditerranéen, dont le démarrage est prévu le mois prochain et auquel la Mauritanie est impliquée, à travers le cluster Maritime Mauritanien (CMM).
Après cette présentation, la parole a été donnée à M. Hamadi Baba Hamadi, Président du Cluster Maritime Mauritanien (CMM) qui a présenté l’état d’avancement de la mise en place du cluster maritime mauritanien et la feuille de route de son opérationnalisation.
Ensuite la parole a été passée à Monsieur Tommaso Scavone, Coordinateur du projet REBOOT MED qui a fait une présentation détaillée du projet.
À la suite de ces présentations, les participants ont été répartis en trois groupes thématiques pour des discussions en table ronde afin de partager leurs points de vue et d’identifier des idées liées aux sujets suivants :
Groupe 1 : Pêche et aquaculture, modérateur : Dr. Mohamed Lemine Abdel Hamid
Groupe 2 : Hydrocarbures et énergies renouvelables, modérateur : M. Matteo Bocci
Groupe 3 : Tourisme durable et planification spatiale maritime (MSP), modérateur : M. Tommaso Scavone.
Chaque groupe a passé deux heures à discuter des opportunités et des défis, et à identifier des solutions possibles sous la forme d’idées de projets régionaux/nationaux à soumettre au 5ème Sommet arabe pour le développement économique et social, prévu pour 2024.
L’événement a fait l’objet d’un reportage le soir même par la Télévision Nationale Al Mauritaniya avec le discours d’ouverture de M. Sidi Ali Sidi Boubaccar, Secrétaire Général du Ministère de la Pêche et Coordinateur National pour la Mauritanie de l’Initiative WESTMED.
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WestMED-Mauritania-national-event-2023-2.jpg12001600National Hub Mauritaniahttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngNational Hub Mauritania2023-12-12 22:17:042023-12-12 22:27:464ème événement national WestMED pour la promotion de l’économie bleue en Mauritanie
The guide is set tosupport the sectors through EU funding under the 2021-2027 financial framework and NextGenerationEU. The comprehensive guide aims to elucidate diverse funding options for the energy transition by targeting a broad audience, including enterprises, public administrations, research institutions, and civil society organisations. It distinguishes itself by offering a tailored approach, swiftly aiding stakeholders in identifying and assessing applicable EU funding sources. Covering areas like vessel innovation, energy-efficient gear, and aquaculture management, the guide complements existing European Commission tools and undergoes regular updates to incorporate newly identified funds.
This year marked the first edition of the Sun&Blue Congress; an international conference and exhibition focused on Blue Tourism Innovation. It took place in Almería, Spain from 15-17 November 2023.
Marta Pascual (WestMED National Hub Spain) has been very much involved in both the preparation of this event, as part of the Technical Committee, as well well as its execution. She organised and participated in multiple workshops to promote and facilitate the sustainable Blue Economy within the tourism sector.
The WestMED Iniatiative was given a special Award Mention for having helped on the Internationalization of the entire SUN&BLUE Congress. Also the ‘Maritime Tourism’project, supported by the WestMED Initiative was awarded with a special mention award for Sustainability
This conference provided an excellent platform to promote the WestMED Intiative within the tourism sector resulting in numerous requests for support. It also resulted in a major step forward regarding the creation of a National Marine Tourism Network and led to a first encounter with the city of CEUTA authorities as a basis for possible follow-up.
Here is an overview of the different WestMED Sun&Blue events:
Turismo Marinero (16 November 2023) Within the framework of WestMED, and more specifically from its Spanish National Hub, work is done to establish a National Maritime Tourism Network. Its main objective is to promote sustainable maritime tourism and the diversification of fishing activity towards other activities that promote the economic development of coastal and marine areas when, for various reasons, they cannot carry out their fishing activity.
This network seeks to diversify fishing activities to promote authentic and environmentally friendly experiences. By doing so, it is intended to contribute to local economic development, the conservation of marine ecosystems and the promotion of fishing culture and tradition in the Western Mediterranean region. Hand in hand with this important initiative of the European Commission, we will learn about the importance of maritime tourism and all the development it is having at the European and national level.
This session served to present 3 examples of Spanish companies and/or initiatives around Maritime Tourism with Pablo Mariño (Bluscus); Shonia Cruz (La Mar Consultoras-LMC) and Inmaculada Torres (GALPEMUR). This to understand what they offer and what opportunities and barriers they have encountered when developing their activities.
WestMED Initiative presentation This presentation kicked off with explaining to a large audience what the WestMED Initiative is, what the work areas are and the activities carried out so far. Also opportunities for collaboration and financing for blue economy were elaborated on.
After the presentation a number of participants approached Mrs. Pascual to inquire about support for their project ideas. The most concrete ones are currently being followed through to assess needs and possibilities.
Blue Breakfast session (17 November 2023)
This was an invitation only event attended by public and private organisations. After explaining the Initiative and funding opportunities, Mrs Pascual provided direct guidance on where to find funding for their work and future interests. It also led to some project ideas that are currently being reviewed for further support by the National Hub.
Reunión / Workshop: Presentación Proyecto de “Red Nacional de Turismo Marinero” (17 November 2023) This private meeting/workshop brought together the main fishing political agents (MAPA), national fishing agents, local Fishing Action Groups (FLAGs), fishermen’s federations, fishermen’s guilds, fresh fish producer organizations, companies of marine tourism and foundations related to marine tourism. At the meeting, the idea/project of creating a National Marine Tourism Network, its vision, objectives, values, lines of action, activities, and governance proposals for said network were presented.
The meeting served as a starting point for the creation of this network and its subsequent presentation within the framework of the European WestMED Initiative as a good example and practice to potentially be replicated in other countries of the Western Mediterranean.
There will be a follow-up to create and launch of the Red Nacional Turismo Marinero in Spain, through bi-lateral discussions on each of the axes proposed for the network.
The meeting was exclusive for those in the field of marine tourism and required registration.
Exhibition stand
For the duration of the event, the WestMED exhibition stand drew many visitors to pick up a leaflet, watch the project video and inquire about possibilities.
Press coverage This event has received a lot of press coverage like these articles in the national newspaper El Mundo and La Voz de Almería.
Or this video on the opening from Ayuntamiento de Almería:
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sun.blue_.23.award_.winners-with-marta.pascual.westmed.spaincompr-1.jpg10701900National Hub Spainhttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngNational Hub Spain2023-12-08 17:37:022023-12-21 07:59:23WestMED Initiative receives internationalization award at the Sun and Blue Congress 2023
For the first time in the five years of Technical Assistance, the WestMED Assistance Mechanism experienced a national Blue Economy event in Libya on Nov 30th 2023. This was done upon the initiative of the National Coordinators, Mr Ali Shagruni and Ms Masauda Abuarosha, with the organization and support by the National Project of Aquaculture and the assistance from WestMED’s Italian National Hub.
With the aim of gathering the main stakeholders of the Blue Economy, the organizers could also rely on the participation of more than 60 operators in presence and of high level institutional representatives: the Deputy Minister of Marine Wealth, Saber Al Azzabi, the Deputy Head of EU Delegation to Libya, Horia Nagacevschi and the Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Libya, Riccardo Villa.
Qualified speakers for the main sectors of the Blue Economy could represent the current situation of the country in each field, also disclosing their potential role of participants to the WestMED Technical and Working Groups like Maritime Clusters Alliance, Green Shipping, Aquawest. Also participants from Italy and Tunisia, intensified the international meaning of this WestMED event, as a confirmation of the centrality of Libyan role in the Mediterranean basin.
Indeed, beside a remarkable and frank interaction on topics related to the fishery sector, the description of the opportunities represented by the Technical Assistance provided by WestMED Assistance Mechanism and those EU funded programmes accessible for Libyan stakeholders, was an important point to encourage stakeholders to join partnerships and project proposals.
This becomes a fundamental way to increase the inclusion of Libyan organizations in the Mediterranean ecosystem: the successful examples of projects like REBUILD, TAMSALL, POWER4MED, MAWEGO were mentioned.
In this perspective, the participation of HORIZON EUROPE’s National Contact Point for Libya was also an added value for liaising with raising opportunities of partnership in the coming months.
It was commonly perceived the impression that, in this phase, a more intense stakeholders’ engagement from the WestMED Assistance Mechanism could easily produce fruitful results, given the very strong expectations of Libyan stakeholders towards all forms of EU support.
https://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/group.picture.libya_.national.event_.2023.compr_-e1702017984489.jpg10001500Communication teamhttps://westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/new-westmed-ec-enfold-logo-website-def2.pngCommunication team2023-12-08 06:48:302023-12-18 20:05:23Major Blue Economy Milestone in Libya with its First WestMED National Stakeholder Event
