The training event “The focus on strategic sector Blue Economy and possible drivers of change and innovation” will be held in Kotor, Montenegro, from May 28th to May 30th, 2025. This capacity-building programme is organized by the Ministry of Economic Development of Montenegro as part of the B-VISA 2030 – Blue Vision in the South Adriatic by 2030 project, and supported by the Interreg IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme for the South Adriatic (2021–2027). The training will bring together key stakeholders from Montenegro and Albania as one of the partners to build capacity in strategic sectors of the Blue Economy. It is designed to provide both theoretical frameworks and hands-on experience in maritime operations, marine science, sustainable aquaculture, and carbon-neutral innovation in transport and port management. Participants will include representatives from public institutions, academic bodies, private operators, and civil society working on sustainable development, coastal economy, and cross-border collaboration.
Blue Economy in Port Operations and Coastal Enterprise
The first day of the training (May 28th) will take place at the Port of Kotor and begin with a presentation of port activities and operational challenges, followed by an in-depth session on port management, environmental standards, and smart technologies. A dedicated segment on cross-border cooperation and EU-funded investments will highlight opportunities for regional collaboration and innovation.
The afternoon will feature site visits, including a guided tour of Marina Kotor and Luka’s Oyster Farm, showcasing real-life applications of Blue Economy principles such as sustainable aquaculture and eco-tourism. The day will conclude with a session led by Marija Raspopović, Blue Economy expert, who will present Montenegro’s strategic alignment with the EU’s Blue Economy framework and discuss stakeholder roles, funding mechanisms, and pilot projects.
Applied Marine Science and Monitoring
On May 29th, training activities will be hosted at the Institute for Marine Biology, University of Montenegro. The day will focus on marine biodiversity, environmental monitoring, mariculture, and the impact of pollution and invasive species. Participants will engage in practical lab and fieldwork, including sessions on benthic species identification, mussel morphometry, chemical oceanography, and plankton analysis. These sessions aim to strengthen technical capacities for environmental assessment and support evidence-based policymaking.
Sustainable Maritime Transport and Blue Skills
The final day (May 30th), held at the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Kotor, will examine innovation in maritime transport, well-being in coastal communities, marine engineering, and higher education adaptation to Blue Economy priorities. Topics will include carbon-neutral transport, short sea shipping, and human-centered sustainability. The agenda features speakers from the University of Montenegro, with special focus on bridging academia and industry, modernizing curricula, and identifying the skills needed for sustainable growth in the region
Download the agenda