The Last 2B-Blue Awareness Campaign Workshop "From Sea to Solution - Building the Mediterranean Blue Future,” held at Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës on 18 May 2026, brought together researchers, institutions, stakeholders, and community representatives to promote sustainable blue economy development and blue biotechnology solutions in Albania. Organized within the framework of the Interreg Euro-MED 2B-Blue Project, the workshop highlighted innovative approaches to marine sustainability, environmental governance, and regional cooperation. The event opened with presentations by the Albanian Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (ACEPSD), outlining its role in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable socio-economic development. ACEPSD emphasized its experience in implementing national and international projects related to marine biodiversity, aquaculture, and environmental management, as well as its contribution to the 2B-Blue Project through pilot activities in the Bay of Vlora.
A central focus of the workshop was the presentation of the Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system being implemented in Vlora Bay. The IMTA approach integrates species from different trophic levels in a circular production model, allowing waste generated by fish farming to be utilized by extractive species such as mussels, oysters, and sea cucumbers. This innovative system aims to improve water quality, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance the sustainability and productivity of aquaculture operations in Albania.
The workshop also presented key findings fromthe “Analyses and Recommendations on Blue Economy and Blue Biotechnologies in Albania,” which identified significant opportunities for economic growth, job creation, innovation, and export development through blue biotechnology and sustainable aquaculture. Discussions highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, stronger cooperation between academia and industry, dedicated innovation hubs, financial support for SMEs, and enhanced environmental safeguards to support responsible sector growth and EU integration.
Furthercontributions from Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës showcased achievements within the BLUE ECOSYSTEM Interreg Euro-MED project, emphasizing the importance of research, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration in advancing sustainable blue economy practices. The workshop concluded with stakeholder discussions, awareness activities, promotional presentations by ACEPSD, and community dialogue involving representatives from portsa and coastal municipalities of Durres and Kavaja, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation and public engagement in building a sustainable Mediterranean blue future.
