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event announcement poster

WestMED national event on Green Shipping in Algeria

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On February 12, 2024, the Algerian National Hub of the WestMED Initiative, in coordination with the Ministry of Fisheries and Fisheries Production, organized their national event focused on on ‘Green Shipping in Algeria.’ This took place in Oran, Algeria.

The event was embedded in a two day international workshop organised by Power4Med – an EMFAF* funded project that supports operators of smaller ships and marinas on the path towards carbon neutrality

The event brought together over 80 participants and representatives from various sectors, including government bodies, industry experts, academics, students, and international researchers.

It focused on strategies for green shipping and ports in Algeria as well as the Western Mediterranean region as a whole, emphasizing best practices, innovative technologies, and policy frameworks that contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous maritime sector. The event also raised awareness about the WestMED Initiative and its relevance to Algeria, while fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in developing a sustainable blue economy.

During the event, speakers shared insights and experiences on the advantages and opportunities of green shipping, highlighting the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel for bunkering ships. They also discussed the new regulations of the International Maritime Organization, which have significantly reduced sulfur content in marine fuels, leading to a cleaner and greener maritime environment.

Algeria’s experience in developing green shipping and ports was showcased, emphasizing its potential as a catalyst for the development of the blue economy in the country. The event provided a platform to exchange knowledge and experiences among West Mediterranean countries, including an overview of the work done by the Green Shipping Technical Group created under the WestMED Initiative and coordinated by WestMED’s Italian National Hub.

Financing opportunities and partnerships with the European Union were also explored, underlining the support offered to SMEs, research institutes, academia and authorities by the WestMED Assistance Mechanism and their respective National Hubs. The event encouraged stakeholders to identify financing mechanisms that would match their project idea(s)  and to collaborate with regional and international partners to accelerate the transition to a sustainable blue economy.

The event’s outcomes were highly impactful, with increased awareness among stakeholders about the opportunities and challenges of developing a sustainable blue economy in Algeria. The discussions on green shipping and ports provided valuable insights into best practices and innovative technologies, paving the way for enhanced environmental performance and efficiency in the maritime sector.

As we move forward, the event strengthened collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders, both at the national and international levels. The commitment to implement concrete actions and initiatives to promote a sustainable blue economy in Algeria has been reaffirmed, ensuring a brighter and greener future for our maritime industry.

* European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund

 

Visit the event webpage for the background and the agenda of this event with the respective speakers.

Contact the National Hub Algeria Samir Bachouche for more information or support with your project: algeria@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu

 

 

 

announcement poster GFCM-WestMED aquaculture event at SIPA 2024 in Oran, Algeria

Joint FAO/GFCM-WestMED event during SIPA2024 on Climate Change Resilient Aquaculture

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On February 11, 2024, the GFCM Scientific Committee on Aquaculture (CAQ), organized a workshop in close cooperation with WestMED Algeria on Climate Change, Resilient Aquaculture, and Mitigation Strategies. This event took place during the International Fisheries and Aquaculture exhibition (SIPA Algerie 2024), in Oran Algeria

The workshop started with opening remarks, setting the stage for discussions on aquaculture in the Mediterranean basin in the context of climate change.

Esteemed speakers shared their insights, beginning with Rita Lecci from the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) Foundation in Italy, who highlighted the relationship between aquaculture and climate change. The presentation emphasized the need for sustainable aquaculture development to promote a resilient blue economy in the region.

Samir Bachouche, representing the national hub of the WestMED Initiative in Algeria, shed light on the importance of sustainable aquaculture in the Western Mediterranean and its contribution to a sustainable blue economy and highlighted the workk of WestMED thematic stakeholder group on aquaculture: AquaWest. Javier Ojeda from the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) shared European fish farmers’ perspectives on climate change, providing valuable insights into the challenges they face.

The workshop then delved into innovative tools and strategies to address climate change challenges in aquaculture. Alessio Bonaldo from the University of Bologna in Italy presented strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation in aquaculture, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches. Curzio Pagliari, also from the University of Bologna, discussed the use of green propulsion systems for more sustainable aquaculture, highlighting the importance of reducing environmental impact.

Jose Diaz Salinas of Skretting, Norway, joined the discussion online and addressed the feed challenge in aquaculture in the face of climate change. His insights shed light on the importance of sustainable and efficient feed production practices.

In the afternoon session, the focus shifted to climate change resilient farming systems. Soufiane Bensalem from the University Kasdi Merbah Ouargla Salem in Algeria presented Saharan aquaculture as a model of farming resilient to climate change. Elisa Ravagnan from NORCE, Norway, explored the concept of integrated multi-tropic aquaculture as a potential solution for climate change resilience. Enric Gisbert from the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Spain, shared insights into a saltwater aquaponics system for mullet and Salicornia production.

The workshop concluded with a fruitful discussion among participants, addressing the challenges and opportunities of climate change resilient aquaculture. The insights gained from the workshop will contribute to the development of effective mitigation strategies and promote sustainable aquaculture practices in the Mediterranean basin.

Visit the event webpage for more information on the background and the agenda

Contact the WestMED National Hub Algeria (Samir Bachouche) for more information: algeria@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu

 

Here’s a videoclip from Samir Bachouche during the event:

 

European Blue Announcement with 2 cover pages of eu blue forum position papares 2024

The European Blue Forum Stakeholder Position Papers are out!

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The European Blue Forum consisting of stakeholders from all 5  EU sea basins has published its first 2 Position papers related to key issues concerning the European Seas

Paper 1: What do we need from European Seas by 2030, and are we asking too much?
Paper 2: What does a fossil fuel free sustainable blue economy look like? How can we as a community support this transition?

These 2 papers, crafted collaboratively by European Blue Forum members through insightful discussions over the past 10 months are now accessible.

The documents are set to serve as a significant statement on maritime and coastal stakeholders’ common issues, challenges and future expectations for our European Seas. They gather the needs of the European Blue Forum members and provides the main axes of action for the years to come.

The papers will be presented during a public meeting of the inter-parliamentary group SEARICA in Brussels on 7th March 2024.

Download the papers

announcement poster EMD 2024

Apply for a stand at the EMD exhibition!

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The last time stakeholders had the possibility to get together as exhibitors was in 2023.

The European Commission, the City of Svendborg and the Danish Maritime Authority are happy to be able to offer this possibility once again and to give stakeholders the chance to showcase their projects and initiatives in an exhibition.

All  corresponding information can be found through the EMD website, or by direct link EMD 2024 call for exhibition.

The deadline to apply is the 22 March 2024 at 23h59. Please note that the call is launched on a « first come first served » basis and the call may therefore be closed before the deadline if the amount of applicants already reaches the threshold.

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Report: A sustainable blue economy for the Mediterranean: challenges, opportunities and policy pathways

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A new policy report, commissioned by the European Commission (DG Near) to the EuroMeSCo network, and developed by eco-union under the supervision of the European Institute of the Mediterranean (IEMed), aims to assess the status and potential of the sustainable Blue Economy in the Mediterranean region, including an analysis of socioeconomic benefits and impacts in relevant Blue Economy activities.

This report not only encapsulates the current state of the Blue Economy in the Mediterranean but also serves as a guide for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders, pointing towards a future where sustainable practices drive economic growth while safeguarding the invaluable marine ecosystems of the region.

Download the report

Source: Eco-Union website

 

announcement poster for the WestMED 2023 factsheet

WestMED 2023 factsheet is out now!

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The WestMED 2023 factsheet is out listing its major achievements.

Goals, priorities, governance, stories, number of projects supported and much more in one quick overview

Download your copy from the publications page

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MED MSP Community of Practice: experts from across the Mediterranean unite to share experiences and align perspectives

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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

Euromarime 2024 poster with EU Sea Basin Assistance Mechanism text and stand number

Le Mécanisme d’Assistance de l’Économie Bleue de l’UE à EUROMARITIME 2024

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Atelier du hub national français du mécanisme d’assistance de l’UE!

30 janvier – télécharger l’ordre du jour

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.

L’ordre du jour.

 

Activités clés du Mécanisme d’Assistance:

  • 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 :

X (Twitter):   WestMED | Atlantic
LinkedIn: Atlantic
Newsletter: WestMED | Atlantic

Vous pouvez également contacter directement le Hub National du mécanisme d’assistance en France par l’intermédiaire de l’adresse suivante france@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu | france@atlantic-maritime-strategy.ec.europa.eu

front cover of financing opportunities guide for the green transition of fisheries and aquaculture 2023

Energy Transition Partnership & Financing Report

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The new guide on financing opportunities for the Green Energy Transition of Fisheries and Aquaculture is out!

The guide is set to support 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.

All information can be found in the Energy Transition Partnership

Group picture of participants at Libya's first WestMED national stakeholder event 2023

Major Blue Economy Milestone in Libya with its First WestMED National Stakeholder Event

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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.

Download the agenda

 

Presenting at the Libyan westmed national event 2023

Horia Nagacevschi, Head of EU Delegation to Libya presenting at Libya's first national westmed stakeholder event 2023

Masauda Abuarosha and Ezzedine Kacem at the Libyan national westmed event 2023

participants in conference room at the WestMED National event in Libya 2023

banner of Libya WestMED national event 2023