The Ministry of Economic Development of Montenegro organizes in Montenegro the seminar “Shaping Montenegro’s Blue Economy: Lessons from Puglia for a Sustainable Future” at the Gallery "Risto Stijović" in Podgorica on November 18th and 19th, 2024 under the “B-VISA 2030 – Blue Vision in the South Adriatic by 2030” project, supported by the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme.
The seminar will gather over 40 blue economy stakeholders, including key representatives from Montenegro, Italy, and Albania, who will share their expertise and explore strategies for sustainable development across the South Adriatic region. Designed to foster dialogue on sustainable blue economy development, the seminar will have a particular focus on implementing lessons from Puglia’s Blue Vision 2030 Strategy.
Participants from Albania and Italy, as well as local stakeholders, will collaborate in discussions that examine how best practices can be applied to Montenegro’s blue economy, with a special emphasis on skills development, policy frameworks, and cross-border cooperation. Key themes will include marine resources, workforce development, circular economy, EU funding, and regional partnerships, all aimed at creating a cohesive approach for sustainable growth.
The seminar will feature speakers from key institutions responsible for a wide range of sectors, including maritime affairs, innovation, smart specialization, private sector development, tourism, education, science and research, European integration, environmental protection (particularly related to coastal and marine environments), as well as public policy and cross-border cooperation.
Day 1: The first day of the seminar will focus on the strategic planning and policy frameworks necessary to advance a sustainable blue economy. Topics will include lessons from Puglia’s Blue Vision 2030, governance and evaluation models, as well as Montenegro’s vision and strategic approach for the Blue Economy. Key discussions will cover smart specialization, sustainable fisheries, and circular economy integration, all aimed at fostering innovation and regional cooperation in the Adriatic.
Day 2: The second day will build on the insights from Day 1, with a particular emphasis on practical applications such as workforce development, blue skills, funding opportunities, and cross-border cooperation. A key feature of this day will be a side event dedicated to the complementary SKILLS project and the SKILLS Lab. The SKILLS Lab will provide an interactive space for participants to identify critical skills needed to drive the blue economy forward. This session will allow for hands-on discussions and collaborative brainstorming, contributing to the identification of actionable strategies for advancing blue skills, fostering sustainable careers, and shaping policy improvements. In addition, Day 2 will cover best practices in the region, including blue economy initiatives in Albania and available funding through EU programs.
Download the agenda here