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

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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

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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.

group of people brainstorming seated in circle during social sustainability workshop at the macro-regional and sea basin strategies days 2026

 

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.

 

cartoon to illustrate the key points from the social sustainbility workshop at the Macro-regional and sea basin strategies Days 2026

 

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.

Group of peoploe on stage during the synergies workshop at the EU Macro0regional and sea basin strategies days

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

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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.

Stephanie Vella presenting at the Women in Blue Economy event 2026

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

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

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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

 

Expert panel seated on stage

AZA4ICE Conference in Tangier: Innovating for Sustainable Aquaculture Across Both Shores of the Mediterranean

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On 8 and 9 July 2026, representatives from the Moroccan Hub of the WestMED Initiative participated in the conference “Two Shores, One Blue Future: Circular Aquaculture Across and Beyond the Mediterranean” in Tangier. Organised by the AZA4ICE project (Interreg Euro-MED programme), the event brought together around fifty stakeholders. Its objective was to transfer innovative technologies and approaches in circular aquaculture, already successfully deployed in the North, to the Southern shore.

Strong Institutional and Private Sector Mobilisation

Morocco was represented by the State Secretariat in charge of Maritime Fisheries, ANDA (National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture), INRH (National Institute for Fisheries Research), and the Moroccan Aquaculture Association representing the private sector. On the Northern shore, the meeting mobilised universities and research centres from Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, the industrial clusters Pôle Mer Méditerranée (France) and ACUIPLUS (Spain), as well as national development agencies that helped structure debates on governance and transnational funding.

Debates Focused on Action and Funding

The panel discussions provided an opportunity to assess the current state of aquaculture in Morocco and to build upon the outcomes of the AZA4ICE project. Participants also explored funding avenues for the sustainable transition and research, notably through the PRIMA programme and development agencies.

WestMED: Tangible Results and Project Incubation Tools

During her interventions, Ms Elke Westenberger, Moroccan National coHub, recalled WestMED’s driving role in promoting a smart, secure, and resilient blue economy, backed by a track record of 216 supported projects and €115 million in investment. She highlighted the initiative’s six Technical Working Groups, which serve as genuine frameworks for sharing expertise and knowledge. These incubation laboratories are designed to build solid partnerships between both shores of the Mediterranean and to develop bankable projects eligible for European funds.

A Strategic Vision for the Future of Moroccan Coasts

To turn intentions into concrete investments, the Moroccan Hub highlighted the Kingdom’s ambitious roadmap aimed at creating nine regional maritime clusters along its Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. These clusters will feature integrated investment project pipelines tailored to the specific functions and potential of the Kingdom’s nine coastal regions. Particular emphasis was placed on the Mediterranean Maritime Clusters Alliance, presented as a crucial mechanism for structuring these industrial and technological ecosystems, promoting skills transfer, and ensuring long-term cross-border cooperation.

The event concluded with a study visit to the INRH Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Animal Health in Tangier, showcasing local advancements in scientific research and biosecurity.

event announcement poster

WestMED at the heart of Morocco’s 7th National Ocean Week

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M’diq: The WestMED Initiative at the heart of the 7th National Ocean Week, organised by the association of life and earth sciences teachers AESVT Morocco

Within the framework of the 2026 7th Ocean Week, a session dedicated to the WestMED Initiative was held at the Lalla Aicha Theatre in M’diq. This meeting was moderated by Mr. Hassan Agouzoul, and highlighted the strategic importance of the blue economy for the future of Morocco’s coastal territories.

The blue economy: a driver of sustainable growth for territories

Before an attentive audience of 78 participants gathered at the Lalla Aicha Theatre in M’diq – representing local NGOs, young entrepreneurs, students, researchers, and public agencies – Mr. Hassan Agouzoul, expert and national hub of the WestMED Initiative in Morocco, highlighted the crucial role of the blue economy as a driver for sustainable development and territorial resilience.

During his speech, he detailed the main priorities championed by the WestMED Initiative for the Mediterranean region:

  • Environmental preservation: The rigorous protection of marine ecosystems.
  • Innovation and skills: The promotion of innovative technologies and the strengthening of local capacities.
  • Infrastructure and networks: The development of green ports and the structuring of regional maritime clusters.
  • Project funding: The active mobilization of funding for marine-related initiatives.

Synergy and cooperation: the keys to a resilient maritime economy

The debates that followed the presentation converged on one certainty: the success of a sustainable blue economy relies on a participatory and inclusive approach. Participants thus emphasized the imperative to strengthen channels of cooperation between:

  • Public institutions,
  • Universities and research centers,
  • Civil society,
  • Youth, as a major driver of change.

This collective dynamic is deemed essential to accelerate the implementation of resilient maritime projects that generate significant local employment and align perfectly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A Mediterranean hub for exchange and innovation

This day established itself as a prime space for dialogue and the sharing of experiences across the Mediterranean scale. By fostering a positive exchange of ideas, the event not only mapped out current challenges but, above all, stimulated the emergence of innovative projects dedicated to both ocean conservation and the sustainable prosperity of the regions.

Download the presentation slides used by Hassan Agouzoul

For more information: contact Hassan Agouzoul (westMED National Hub Morocco): morocco@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu

group of people standing in morocco in a theatre at national ocean week 2026

Hassan agouzoul projected on a screen behind a panel of experts on stage during national ocean week in Morocco 2026

panel with experts seated behind a table on stage

Mediterranean Blue Economy Conference Highlights Innovation and Regional Cooperation in Cartagena

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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.

panel with experts seated behind a table on stage

group of people in a conference hall

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

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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.

Valeria Patrono at the S3 CoP Conference 2026

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

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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)

Ali Shagrune and Adel Sultan posing

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

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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.