Libya-news Archives

Success Story. MPA4Change: Building Climate-Resilient Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean

28 September 2026/in News /by Communication team

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the European sea basins’ most vulnerable to climate change, warming significantly faster than the global average. Rising sea temperatures, biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, pollution, and overfishing are placing increasing pressure on marine ecosystems and the coastal communities that depend on them.

In response to these growing challenges, the MPA4Change project was launched to strengthen the role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as effective ocean-based solutions for climate adaptation and resilience across the Mediterranean basin.

The project’s innovative approach and regional impact have been widely recognised, earning MPA4Change WestMED’s best project award in 2025, highlighting its contribution to advancing climate adaptation and sustainable marine conservation across the region.

Watch the project pitch by Joaquim Garrabou during the WestMED Stakeholder Conference 2025 in Tunis (YouTube)

Building Collaboration Across the Region

Funded through the Interreg Euro-MED Programme and coordinated by the Spanish Research Council (CSIC), MPA4Change brings together a wide network of scientific institutions, conservation organisations, protected area managers, and policy experts from across Europe and the Mediterranean. Building on the foundations laid by earlier initiatives such as MPA-Adapt and MPA-Engage, the project focuses on transferring proven tools, methodologies, and expertise into practical action for MPA managers and decision-makers.

Turning Knowledge into Action

At the heart of the project is the development of a long-term Action Plan for Mediterranean MPAs. This includes improving climate risk assessment, monitoring systems, restoration practices, participatory governance, citizen science, and adaptation planning.

MPA4Change also supports policy dialogue at regional and European levels, helping align local conservation efforts with broader climate and biodiversity strategies. Training programmes, expert networks, and innovative digital tools are empowering managers to better understand climate vulnerabilities and implement effective adaptation measures on the ground.

MPA4Change Project coordinator Joaquim Garrabou explains:

“The toolkits to support the elaboration of MPA adaptation plan was developed during the MPA-Adapt project and later refined and successfully tested through MPA-Engage and MPA4Change across contrasted socio-ecological contexts. However, we realised that to scale-up we needed to define an operational but ambitious goal to support the integration of climate adaptation strategies in the Mediterranean marine protected areas network. This led us to create the 100MPA MedAlliance: acollaborative initiative aimed building a resilient network to face the climate change of at least 100 MPAs across the Mediterranean.”

Looking Ahead: The 100MPA MedAlliance

Although the project’s initial phase concluded in 2025, its long-term impact will continue through the expansion of the 100MPA MedAlliance. This initiative aims to engage 100 Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by 2030, supporting them in implementing climate adaptation strategies and promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices across borders.

Through continued collaboration, capacity building, and scientific innovation, the project is helping shape a more connected and resilient Mediterranean network of protected marine areas.

As climate pressures continue to intensify, MPA4Change demonstrates how cooperation, science, and nature-based solutions can work together to safeguard marine biodiversity while supporting sustainable coastal livelihoods for future generations.

EU’s support for Marine Protected Areas

The EU supports Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) through a combination of binding environmental legislation, strategic biodiversity targets and dedicated funding instruments. At policy level, MPAs are a core delivery mechanism for the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which aims to protect at least 30% of EU marine waters and ensure strict protection for at least 10%. This is reinforced by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, which requires Member States to achieve or maintain “Good Environmental Status” of marine waters, and by the Habitats Directive and Birds Directive, which underpin the Natura 2000 network – the largest coordinated system of protected areas in the world, including extensive marine sites.

Financially, the EU supports MPAs through several funding streams that help turn policy goals into implementation. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) provides targeted support for conservation, sustainable fisheries management and the protection of marine ecosystems within and around MPAs. The EU’s LIFE Programme co-finances environmental and climate projects, including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Research and innovation funding through Horizon Europe supports scientific knowledge, monitoring systems and new tools for ecosystem-based management. In addition, cross-border cooperation programmes such as Interreg (including Interreg Euro-MED) fund practical collaboration between countries to improve governance, capacity building and on-the-ground management of MPAs, particularly in shared sea basins like the Mediterranean.

More Info about MPA4Change
Budget	Total: € 999,436 EU Contribution: € 799,549
Partners/Countries	Coordinator/ lead: Spanish Research Council – Spain Consortium of management of Portofino Marine Protected Area – Italy Public Institution Brijuni National Park – Croatia University of Vigo – Spain DAN Europe Foundation – Malta National Research Council (CNR) – Italy EUROPARC Federation – Spain University of Algarve – Portugal AP Marine Environmental Consultancy Ltd – Cyprus
Follow	Website Social media: X/ Twitter Instagram YouTube
Duration	1 January 2024 – 31 March 2026

Additional materials
MPA4Change policy brief – FROM TOOLS TO ACTION
MPA4Change Climate Adaptation Factsheets
100MPA MedAlliance brochure
100MPA MedAlliance policy brief

family photo of participants at Atlantic-WestMED Conference 2026 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Cooperation across sea basins takes centre stage at the Atlantic–WestMED Stakeholder Conference in Las Palmas

16 September 2026/in News /by Communication team

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain – 16 September 2026

More than 150 participants from across Europe, Macaronesia and North Africa gathered at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for the first joint Atlantic–WestMED Stakeholder Conference, hosted by the Spanish authorities who currently hold both the WestMED Initiative and Atlantic Strategy presidencies.

Advancing Cross-Basin Collaboration

The Canary Islands, as EU outermost regions, provided a strategic setting for strengthening cooperation between the Atlantic and Western Mediterranean and advancing shared priorities for a sustainable ocean. Held under the theme “Building synergies for a sustainable ocean,” the event brought together policymakers, researchers, regional authorities, businesses and project leaders to exchange knowledge, build partnerships and turn cooperation into action.

Key Priorities Driving the Blue Agenda

Discussions focused on blue skills and ocean literacy, biodiversity and healthy oceans, resilient coasts, maritime transport and green ports, renewable marine energy, decarbonisation and maritime spatial planning. The programme combined policy dialogue with project showcases, networking, investment sessions and an interactive Blue Economy Hackathon.

Hackathon: From dialogue to action

The Atlantic–WestMED Blue Economy Hackathon brought participants together around four themes: sustainable tourism, blue skills and careers, renewable marine energies, and the decarbonisation of maritime fleets and ports. Participants developed project ideas, identified possible partners and explored future funding opportunities.

Four projects recognised for their impact

A highlight of the conference was the Atlantic–WestMED Project Award. More than 70 projects applied, with four winners recognised across four categories:

SEA‑EU (Blue Skills & Ocean Literacy) received the award for strengthening education, skills and ocean literacy through a European University Alliance. Marmed and Flores received special mentions.
NETTAG+ (Biodiversity, Healthy Oceans and Resilient Coasts) was recognised for addressing environmental impacts of fishing gear and marine litter. CHITELIX and AWARE received special mentions.
HY2FISH (Maritime Transport, Green Ports and Energy Transition) received the award for demonstrating a zero‑emission fishing vessel powered by hydrogen fuel cells and batteries. MED‑Hubs, HY4RES and POSEIDON received special mentions.
EM4SSF (Maritime Spatial Planning) took home the award for enhancing monitoring for Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries. MESPAC Demo and Sustainable Marine Aquaculture Planning in Morocco received special mentions.

Together, these winning projects highlight the diversity of innovation across the Atlantic and WestMED communities, while demonstrating how strengthened synergies and effective cross‑sea basin cooperation can accelerate practical solutions and deliver greater impact for Europe’s maritime regions.

Back‑to‑back events

The main conference was preceded on 15 September by several back‑to‑back events, including Building Synergies amongst Interreg Programmes; the WestMED Steering Committee Meeting and a technical visit to PLOCAN, the Spanish Bank of Algae and ULPGC showcasing blue economy research and innovation in the Canary Islands; and Blue Synergies 2026: Empowering Youth in Atlantic Cooperation, highlighting the contribution of young people to future maritime cooperation.

As part of these activities, the final session of the Interreg Blue Challenge training brought together student teams for a full day of capacity‑building. Participants developed cooperation project concepts, received expert guidance and presented their proposals to a jury. The winning team was selected during the side event and formally recognised at the main conference on 16 September, showcasing youth engagement and strengthening skills for future European project development.

Strengthening Atlantic–WestMED collaboration

Together, the conference and accompanying events provided a platform for connecting people, sharing solutions and building partnerships across sea basins. They reinforced the role of cooperation in delivering a more sustainable, resilient and competitive European blue economy. These exchanges also fed into the wider EU policy context shaped by the European Ocean Pact, the newly adopted Coastal Communities and Islands Strategy and the rollout of OceanEye, helping align regional action with emerging EU priorities.

Check here for the photos of the conference (on Flickr)

Group of children on beach in libya during WestMED protect our coast campaign 2026

WestMED and Marine Society of Libya Co-organise Second Coastal Awareness Initiative in Susa, Libya

8 September 2026/in News /by Communication team

The WestMED Initiative’s annual awareness campaign returned to Susa on 31 August 2026, bringing together local institutions, academics, volunteers, children and community members to promote marine environmental protection and sustainable coastal tourism.

Building on a successful first edition

Held under the theme “Protect Our Coast, Sustain Our Tourism,” the activity marked the second edition of the community awareness initiative, following the success of last year’s edition at Libya’s Hamama coast.

The 2026 activity was co-organised by the WestMED Libya National Hub and the Marine Biology Society of Libya, with the support of local institutions, academic organisations, civil society and volunteers.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness of the importance of protecting marine and coastal environments, encourage responsible behaviour towards coastal areas and strengthen community participation in safeguarding marine resources.

A particular focus was placed on children and young people, recognising their role in building a long-term culture of environmental responsibility.

Raising awareness of marine pollution

The morning programme featured an awareness seminar bringing together experts, academics, local stakeholders and community representatives.

Discussions addressed key challenges facing coastal areas, including marine litter, coastal pollution and sustainable environmental practices. Participants also explored the importance of sustainable coastal tourism and the role local communities can play in protecting coastal resources.

The seminar provided an opportunity to connect environmental awareness with practical action, highlighting the need for communities to take an active role in preserving the coast.

Children put the sea in focus

Children were at the heart of the initiative, taking part in awareness and creative activities centred on the marine environment.

Through drawing activities, they were encouraged to express their vision of a clean and healthy sea. The activities also aimed to strengthen children’s connection with their coastal surroundings and encourage them to see environmental protection as a shared responsibility.

From awareness to action at Susa Port

The programme moved from discussion to practical action in the afternoon, when volunteers, children, young people and community members joined a voluntary clean-up at Susa Port.

The clean-up helped remove waste from the coastal area while demonstrating the impact of collective community action. It also highlighted the importance of volunteering as a practical expression of environmental responsibility.

The activity reinforced a central message of the campaign: environmental volunteering should become more than an occasional response to pollution and develop into a lasting culture within coastal communities.

As one of the participants stated:
“Where awareness becomes behavior, behavior becomes culture, and culture becomes shared responsibility.”

Bringing local partners together

The initiative was supported by a broad group of local institutions and organisations, demonstrating the value of cooperation across different sectors.

Partners included Susa Municipality; the Faculty of Tourism and Archaeology at Omar Al-Mukhtar University; Susa Education Supervision; the Higher Institute of Science and Technology – Susa; the Apollonia Heritage and Culture Organization, as well as local experts, volunteers, organisers and authorities.

The cooperation reflected a shared commitment to protecting Libya’s coastal environment and promoting the sustainable use of coastal resources.

Turning awareness into lasting change

The second edition of the Susa initiative raised awareness of marine litter and environmental protection while encouraging voluntary participation and greater community involvement. It also created space for children and young people to engage directly with environmental issues and promoted sustainable approaches to coastal tourism.

Building on the positive experience of the first edition, this year’s activity further demonstrated how community-based initiatives can bring environmental awareness beyond the classroom and conference room and into practical action.

A key message emerging from the activity was that environmental volunteering should evolve from occasional campaigns into a lasting culture within coastal communities.

When a child helps clean their beach or draws the sea they dream of, they begin to understand that the sea and coastline are not simply places around them, but part of their identity and shared responsibility.

A continued commitment under WestMED

Although the Susa initiative took place over a single day, its ambition extends beyond the event itself. The activity sought to encourage a lasting change in attitudes and behaviour towards the marine environment.

The WestMED Libya National Hub, together with its partners, will continue to encourage initiatives that connect environmental awareness with volunteering, youth engagement, sustainable tourism and local community action.

The Susa activity therefore represents another practical step under the WestMED framework towards empowering coastal communities to become active partners in protecting Libya’s marine environment and ensuring the sustainable use of its coastal resources.

For more information contact Masauda Abuarosha (WestMED National Hub Libya): libya@westmed-initiative.ec.europe.au

2025 project awards winners on stage at the WestMED 2025 Conference

Tunis hosts the 5th WestMED Stakeholder Conference: Driving Blue Economy Action Across the Western Mediterranean

1 December 2025/in News /by Communication team

On 28 November 2025, over 200 stakeholders from both shores of the Mediterranean gathered in Tunis, Tunisia, for the 5^th WestMED Stakeholder Conference – a flagship event of the WestMED Initiative.

Building on previous editions in Barcelona, Algiers, Rome, and Malta, this year’s conference highlighted the role of maritime clusters, blue skills, ocean literacy, energy transition, and maritime spatial planning in promoting a more competitive, sustainable, and resilient blue economy across the Western Mediterranean sea basin.

The conference was hosted by the Tunisian co-presidency of the WestMED and organized by the WestMED Assistance Mechanism, with the support of the European Commission.

Recognizing Excellence: WestMED Project Awards 2025

A highlight of the conference was the announcement of the WestMED Project Awards, now in their third edition. These awards honor outstanding projects aligned with the WestMED priorities, providing winners with visibility and recognition across the Mediterranean blue economy community.

Award winners showcased innovation in marine protected areas management, energy transition in fisheries and aquaculture, blue skills and maritime clusters, demonstrating how local initiatives can have a regional impact.
This recognition not only boosts the projects’ visibility but also strengthens cross‑border cooperation, encouraging replication of similar initiatives in other sea basins.

This edition showed a record number of 71 applications. The award winners were:

BLUEPSOL: developing solar-powered solutions for sustainable fishing and aquaculture,
reducing emissions and costs (also voted by participants as the ‘best-of-the-best’).
YEP MED: connecting training centres, ports, and companies across the Mediterranean to align education with real labour market needs
MPA4Change: empowering Mediterranean MPAs to adapt, build resilience, and combat climate change.
BCThubs: building technology excellence hubs, advancing underwater cultural heritage and sustainable blue economy
CallmeBlue: strengthening Mediterranean clusters, fostering cooperation, empowering communities and enhancing skills inclusively.

European Ocean Pact & new Pact for the Mediterranean

Two major policy frameworks were discussed during the conference:

EU Ocean Pact: presented as a unifying framework to safeguard Europe’s seas, it emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and innovation. The conference explored how WestMED priorities support this broader EU agenda.
Pact for the Mediterranean: recently launched, this pact aims to align Mediterranean countries around shared commitments for a resilient and sustainable sea basin. The WestMED Assistance Mechanism was highlighted as a bridge between the pact’s ambitions and concrete project implementation.

Together, these pacts signal a new era of Mediterranean maritime cooperation, linking regional action to European strategies.

Launch of the Blue Skills Technical Stakeholder Group
Recognizing that skills gaps are among the biggest barriers to a thriving blue economy, the conference announced the creation of a new technical stakeholder group on Blue Skills.

This group will bring together experts from the different Western Mediterranean countries to map skill needs, organise training programs, and promote ocean literacy.
It will serve as a platform for universities, training centers, industry, and policymakers to coordinate efforts.
By focusing on capacity building, the group aims to ensure that the Western Mediterranean workforce is equipped to drive the energy transition, innovation, digitalization and maritime spatial planning.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 WestMED Stakeholder Conference delivered three clear outcomes:

Celebration of award‑winning projects that exemplify innovation and cooperation.
Integration of the EU Ocean Pact and the Pact for the Mediterranean into WestMED’s operational agenda.
Launch of a technical stakeholder group on Blue Skills, setting the stage for long‑term workforce development.

Together, these outcomes reinforce the WestMED Initiative’s role as a catalyst for sustainable growth, resilience, and collaboration across the Western Mediterranean and beyond. Next year’s co-presidency will be taken over by Spain and Tunisia, in line with the rotating governance structure of the WestMED Initiative.

A WestMED steering committee meeting preceded the conference, engaging participating countries and the European Commission in discussions on progress and next steps under the initiative.

Conference report

Download the comprehensive conference report.

man holding phone with checkmark in display - sea in the background.

SURVEY – Help shape the future of Mediterranean initiatives supported by the EU

26 November 2025/in News /by Communication team

As part of the implementation of the WestMED Initiative, we invite project beneficiaries to share insights and experiences through this short survey.

Project beneficiairies are those organizations, institutions, or groups that receive or have received direct support or funding for projects in the Western Mediterranean through funding under EU programmes such as EMFAF, Horizon Europe, INTERREG and others.

Your input is essential to assess the coverage, availability, and ongoing relevance of EU-funded programmes and to improve their design and implementation.

By contributing, you will help us identify lessons learned and shape future sustainable blue economy initiatives in the Mediterranean, ensuring they meet the needs of diverse stakeholders—including participants from both EU and non-EU countries.

About the Survey

Duration: It will take less than 15 minutes to complete.
Confidentiality: All responses will be handled in strict compliance with data protection regulations and used only in aggregated and anonymous form.
Scope: You may base your answers on your experience with one or multiple EU-funded projects.

The questionnaire is structured around 6 Sections:

Introduction
Access to funding
Project results and impact
Networks and consortium building
Understanding the barriers in cross-national and sea basin cooperation
Follow-up and continuation of projects.

Click to access the survey

The survey will remain open until the end of February 2026.

On behalf of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), thank you for your time and valuable contribution.

New Study: Climate Change Adaptation in EU Aquaculture

23 November 2025/in News /by Communication team

The European Commission has published a comprehensive study on climate change adaptation in EU aquaculture, providing a timely assessment of the sector’s vulnerabilities, challenges, and opportunities in the face of a changing climate.

Aquaculture is a vital part of Europe’s blue economy, supplying healthy food, supporting coastal communities, and contributing to economic growth. However, the sector is increasingly exposed to climate-related risks such as rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, extreme weather events, and shifting disease patterns.

Adapting EU aquaculture to climate change is essential for safeguarding food security, jobs, and the health of marine and freshwater ecosystems. The report highlights the importance of collaboration between industry, researchers, and policymakers to accelerate the uptake of adaptation measures and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Tobruk University Hosts the 2nd International Scientific Conference on Tourism and Archaeology with Active Participation from the WestMED Initiative

19 November 2025/in News /by Communication team

On 16 November 2025, The Tobruk University, through its Faculty of Tourism and Archaeology, successfully organized the 2nd International Scientific Conference on Tourism and Archaeology, gathering academics, researchers, and tourism professionals from across Libya and the Mediterranean region. The event underscored the university’s commitment to advancing research and capacity in cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, and archaeology.

The conference was spearheaded by a dedicated Organizing Committee, led by prominent figures such as Dr. Belieed and Dr. Abdulbasit, who played a key role in designing the scientific program, coordinating panels, and ensuring broad participation. Their leadership helped make the event a dynamic platform for dialogue and cooperation.

WestMED facilitating sustainable tourism initiatives
The WestMED Initiative was represented by Ms. Stephanie Vella, Malta’s National Hub and Dr. Masauda Abuarosha from Libya’s National Hub.

During her intervention, Ms. Stephanie Vella presented the WestMED Tourism Technical Group in-depth, explaining its mission to promote sustainable tourism in the western Mediterranean. She detailed how the group operates, the kinds of projects it supports (such as community- based tourism, capacity building, and cross-border initiatives), and how interested stakeholders can engage. She also encouraged researchers, students, and tourism practitioners to register and take part in the Tourism Technical Group, highlighting that active involvement opens doors to regional cooperation, training opportunities, and the ability to contribute to future Mediterranean tourism strategies.

Dr. Masauda Abuarosha, shared Libya’s ongoing engagement with WestMED, including efforts to establish a Libyan Maritime Cluster, foster university-to-university cooperation, and integrate blue economy thinking into tourism and heritage preservation. She emphasized that Libya’s coastline offers valuable potential for sustainable maritime tourism and cultural conservation.

The presence of WestMED at the conference sparked considerable interest among attendees, especially given the initiative’s growing influence in promoting sustainable coastal development, protecting marine heritage, and enabling innovation in the blue economy.

In his closing remarks, the President of Tobruk University and the Organizing Committee thanked the WestMED representatives for their vital contribution, Tobruk University reaffirmed its dedication to fostering academic excellence, regional partnerships, and sustainable development in the fields of tourism and archaeology.

For more information: contact Masauda Abuarosha: libya@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu

Libya Strengthens its Blue Economy Research

16 November 2025/in News /by Communication team

Recognition of Outstanding Researchers in Benghazi Coincides with the Establishment of the First Marine Technology College in the Eastern Region Cyrenaica.

As part of Libya’s growing commitment to advance scientific research and developing its blue economy, the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education held a ceremony in Benghazi on 15 November 2025 to honor distinguished researchers and graduates within the framework of the Scientific Excellence Award – – Second Edition

Among the honorees was Sarah Al-Mabrouk, recognized for her valuable contributions in the field of marine sciences.

This recognition comes at a pivotal moment, following the issuance of Cabinet Decision No. (91) of 2025, which officially establishes the Marine Technology College in Derna — the first institution of its kind in the Eastern Region (Barqa).

The newly established college will enjoy financial and administrative independence and will fall under the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education, with its budget to be integrated into the national budget starting in 2026. The decision also mandates coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to approve the college’s internal regulations and academic departments.

The establishment of this college represents a significant milestone in building national capacities in marine technology, navigation, marine resource management, and applied maritime sciences. It reinforces Libya’s commitment to developing a sustainable blue economy grounded in knowledge, innovation, and skilled human resources.

The WestMED Initiative commends these national efforts, viewing the recognition of young researchers and the creation of the Marine Technology College as essential steps toward strengthening maritime education, enhancing research capabilities, and supporting sustainable coastal development in Libya.

WestMED congratulates all the award recipients and welcomes the establishment of the Marine Technology College as a strategic advancement toward a more resilient and prosperous blue economy for the country.

For more information contact the WestMED National Hub Libya (Masauda Abuarosha): libya@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu

WestMED Mauritania at the Atlantic Marine, Energy and Industrial Support Summit 2025

7 November 2025/in News /by National Hub Mauritania

The Atlantic Marine, Energy and Industrial Support Summit (AMEISS), jointly organised by Oneport and the National Federation of Industry, Mines and Energy, was held in Nouakchott at the Fasq Hotel on 28 and 29 October 2025 and attended by several industrial, institutional and research stakeholders and experts from Mauritania and Spain to discuss opportunities for partnerships in the field of energy and maritime development between the Canary Islands and Mauritania.

WestMED intervention
The Mauritanian National Hub actively participated as a panellist in the Blue Economy, Governance and Collaboration Panel on ‘Response to maritime emergencies, efforts and collaboration of the blue economy in Mauritania’.

During these presentations, Dr Mohamed Lemine Abdel Hamid, Mauritania National Hub, first presented the European Union’s WestMED Initiative, its history, objectives, members and the structure of its assistance mechanism. He recalled that Mauritania had the opportunity to co-chair the initiative in 2022 and 2023. He then presented the main achievements of the National Hub in promoting the blue economy in Mauritania, including the organisation of six dedicated national events between 2019 and 2025, the creation of the Mauritanian maritime cluster, which brings together the main maritime stakeholders, and the institutionalisation of a Technical Advisor position in charge of the Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime and Port Infrastructure. He recalled that the efforts of the WestMED Initiative in Mauritania had inspired other partners in Mauritania.

In this context, he cited the World Bank, which is currently preparing a major WACA+ project that should include a component dedicated to promoting the blue economy in Mauritania. Similarly, the BIE has just signed a €20 million loan agreement with a Mauritanian bank (BEA-Al AMANA) to finance projects in the blue economy sector in Mauritania.

The presentation by the Mauritania National Hub generated a great deal of interest among participants.

On the sidelines of this event, the Mauritania National Hub met with the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster to discuss opportunities for collaboration.

For more information contact the WestMED National Hub Mauritania (Mohamed Lemine): mauritania@westmed-initiative.ec.europa.eu

Two men posing behind table in libya. ali shagrune and saber al-azabi

President of the Libyan Maritime Cluster and WestMED coordinator meets with the Libyan Minister of Marine Wealth

13 October 2025/in News /by Communication team

On 12 October 2025, H.E. Dr. Saber Al-Azabi, Minister of Marine Wealth, met with Eng. Ali Mohamed Ageli Shagrune, President of the Libyan Maritime Cluster and National Coordinator WestMED Steering Committee Member of the Initiative.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency welcomed Eng. Shagrune and praised his significant efforts in strengthening international cooperation and promoting the development of Libya’s blue economy. He also commended the active role played by the Libyan Maritime Cluster in supporting blue economy initiatives.

The meeting discussed the activities of the Libyan Maritime Cluster and its collaboration with maritime clusters in friendly countries within the framework of blue economy initiatives that aim to transform Libya’s economy from a rent-based system to a diversified and sustainable one, built on innovation and investment in marine resources.

Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing regional and international partnerships in the fields of fisheries, aquaculture, marine renewable energy, and sustainable coastal governance, to contribute to building a prosperous economic future for Libya.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Eng. Ali Shagrune expressed his sincere appreciation to H.E. the Minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed the Libyan Maritime Cluster’s readiness to continue joint efforts with the Ministry of Marine Wealth in pursuit of a national vision for a sustainable blue economy in Libya.

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