Biodiversity and sustainable aquaculture, blue tourism routes, and training: a report on the 5th project meeting held in Acquatina (Frigole) and online
13/07/2026
On July 2nd, on the eve of the final conference, project partners gathered at the University of Salento’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Centre in Acquatina (Frigole) for the 5th project meeting. During the event, representatives from the Italian and Croatian partners reviewed the project's activities, capitalization efforts, and training initiatives.
The event opened with welcome remarks from Prof. Maurizio Pinna (DiSTeBA, University of Salento—the lead partner), the project's scientific coordinator.
The discussion focused on the current status of the project's implementation, with particular attention paid to the upcoming deadlines set for August 30, 2026. During the meeting, progress on key work packages was reviewed in depth, and the next steps for training programs—covering both theory and fieldwork for industry professionals and students alike—were outlined; furthermore, the discussion centered on mapping new "blue" tourism itineraries, creating a roadmap for regular events on sustainable aquaculture, and developing the "BlueDiversity Policy Paper."
A key part of the afternoon session was dedicated to activities in the pilot areas. Each project partner (University of Salento, Sea&Karst, Eduforma, IOF, PIDNC, Blue Marine Service, and the University of Padua) presented the progress made and ongoing activities in their respective territories, describing the involvement of local stakeholders and target groups.
The final part of the meeting was dedicated to management and reporting aspects via the JEMS platform, communication strategies across official and social media channels, and the monitoring of outcome indicators (regarding joint strategies and the completion of training programs).
The proceedings concluded with a Steering Committee session and an open discussion on final recommendations, laying the groundwork to effectively capitalize on the BlueDiversity project’s legacy beyond its completion.
