Black Sea CONNECT makes waves at European Maritime Day 2023!
The European Maritime Day (EMD) is an annual two-day event where Europe’s maritime community gathered to network, discuss, and outline joint action on maritime affairs and the sustainable blue economy. EMD serves as a meeting place for “Ocean Leaders,” offering an engaging and interactive experience to stay informed about various issues related to the blue economy and marine environment, as well as discuss future directions.
The 2023 edition of the European Maritime Day took place in Brest, France, on 24-25 May as a physical event. Targeting professionals from businesses, governments, public institutions, NGOs, academia, and EU citizens interested in maritime matters; the event featured numerous inspiring speakers, thematic sessions, stakeholder workshops, and pitch sessions organized by stakeholders and the European Commission.
As Black Sea CONNECT, we were actively engaged in participating and discussing the subsequent actions required to enhance the value of our seas. Visitors were encouraged to explore the Black Sea CONNECT, Bridge Black Sea, and DOORS Black Sea booths, delving into the transformative journey of the blue economy in the Black Sea. Our aim was to establish robust connections between the Black Sea and the seas of the European Union. We called upon everyone to join forces in order to shape the future of our invaluable seas and oceans. By immersing ourselves in this collective endeavor, we aimed to foster unity and cooperation for the well-being and sustainability of our planet’s aquatic ecosystems.
During EMD 2023, Barış Salihoğlu, the coordinator of Black Sea CONNECT, emphasized the significance of cross-sea basin synergies in the journey toward decarbonization. He shared insights on how the actions outlined in the Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) Implementation Plan would bolster renewable energy initiatives and support research and innovation in achieving decarbonization goals within the blue economy sector.
It was a delightful experience to engage in a conversation with Charlina Vitcheva from EU Maritime Affairs & Fisheries, who visited our booth at EMD 2023. Our discussion revolved around the Black Sea CONNECT initiative and the Black Sea SRIA Implementation Plan. We explored the potential collaborations and synergies between our projects, aiming to advance sustainable practices and promote the decarbonization of the blue economy in the Black Sea region.
The fruitful discussions and connections made at EMD 2023 pave the way for meaningful progress towards a decarbonized and thriving blue economy in the Black Sea region. Together, through these collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange, we are driving toward a more sustainable future for the blue economy and our precious sea basins.
