Representatives from Italy, Albania, and Montenegro gathered in Brindisi at Palazzo Guerrieri for the Kick-off Meeting of the SPEEDY project – Protection and recovery of highly mobile marine species in the programme area. The project is funded by the Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021–2027 program and coordinated by the Consorzio di Gestione di Torre Guaceto as lead partner.
The meeting brought together partners both in person and online for a technical discussion aimed at enhancing the conservation and recovery of highly mobile marine species in the South Adriatic, including marine turtles (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) and the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), species that are vulnerable and heavily threatened by human activities.
With a duration of 30 months and a budget exceeding €830,000, SPEEDY aims to establish a shared system and lasting network to protect vulnerable marine species in the South Adriatic through research, training, recovery center development, and awareness campaigns for coastal communities.
During the opening session, Rocky Malatesta, President of Torre Guaceto, emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation:
“The Adriatic Sea connects our coasts and communities, but it also connects our responsibilities. These marine species travel across our countries’ waters, reminding us that conservation cannot stop at national borders. With SPEEDY, we are building a coordinated, science-based framework for monitoring, recovery, and protection. Together, we will harmonize our methods and strengthen recovery centers by creating a South Adriatic network.”
Project partners, including the University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi” (Albania), the Montenegro Environmental Protection Agency, and Legambiente Molise APS (Italy), discussed operational and technical aspects of the project. Special attention was given to early technical activities aimed at creating a joint protocol for mapping and recovering marine species, promoting a coordinated, cross-border approach to Adriatic biodiversity conservation.
The meeting was attended by Antonio Agrosì, Project Officer and Financial Manager, and Carmela Sfregola, Communication Officer of the Joint Secretariat.