Environmental Quality issues in the focus of the first day at the 10th EUSAIR Forum

Under the title “Protection and sustainable development of the marine environment in the Adriatic - Ionian region, through innovative policy approaches and integrated action” the session will confront pressing issues and explore the protection and sustainable development of the marine and coastal environment in the Adriatic-Ionian region.

Panelists Matej David from Faculty of Maritime Studies of the University of Rijeka, Croatia, Vedran Nikolić from Nature Conservation Unit of DG Environment of the European Comission and Laura Comelli from Managing Authority of INTERREG VI-A Italy-Slovenia Programm will tackle three key environmental challenges Ballast Water Management, EU Marine Conservation & Restoration and Climate Adaptation in Action.

During this session participants will have the opportunity to hear how invasive species are spread via ballast water and sediments, but also explore the BWM Convention and the urgent need for harmonized enforcement across the region. Also participants will learn about gaps in marine biodiversity conservation and how experts assess progress toward the 2030 targets set out under the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

There will be a discussion on rising risks from climate change with a focus on regional cooperation, policy innovation, and practical implementation. The discussion promises forward-thinking insights and real-world examples.

Designed to be both informative and interactive, the session will give the insight how innovative policy approaches and regional cooperation can drive sustainable development and protect our shared marine resources. Also, the session will try to highlight how integrated action can ensure long-term sustainability for the Adriatic and Ionian Sea and focus the attention to innovative policy approaches and put some light to very practical examples how the EUSAIR countries are collaborating to prevent the spread of invasive species and protect marine biodiversity.

Targeting stakeholders from government, EU institutions, academia, industry, and civil society, along with youth and the public, this session serves as a call to action and to rethink governance, realign policies, and reinforce collaboration for a cleaner, more resilient Adriatic and Ionian sea.