EPLO's Institute for Sustainable Development participated in the “Riding the Wave: Advancing the EU Ocean Pact through Science, Innovation and Cooperation” conference, held in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, bringing together more than 300 participants from across Europe and the MENA region.
The two-day event served as an important platform for dialogue and collaboration among policy-makers, researchers, academia, investors, innovators and thought-leaders working towards a more sustainable and resilient blue economy. The conference programme focused on strengthening the connection between science, policy, innovation and financing in support of the emerging EU Ocean Pact.
Throughout the conference, the Institute for Sustainable Development – EPLO actively engaged in meetings, workshops and networking sessions, contributing to discussions on sustainability, governance, innovation and ocean-related cooperation. The event also provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with partners and establish new collaborations with stakeholders working across the ocean and blue economy ecosystem.
Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening ties with the EU4Ocean community, exchanging ideas and experiences around ocean literacy, sustainability and stakeholder engagement. The discussions highlighted the growing momentum behind collaborative approaches to ocean governance and the importance of connecting policy, research, innovation and society in advancing shared sustainability goals.
The conference reflected the increasing regional and international commitment to advancing the objectives of the EU Ocean Pact and fostering stronger cooperation between Europe and neighbouring regions on ocean sustainability, innovation and resilience.
The Institute also highlighted its participation in the EU-funded project CoastalPro, which strongly aligns with the conference’s focus on advancing the EU Ocean Pact through cooperation, innovation and sustainable blue growth. The project emphasizes the importance of connecting education, and innovation in order to prepare the next generation of professionals for emerging opportunities in the sustainable coastal tourism sector. During the discussions, particular attention was given to the recently published policy brief on blue careers led by the CoastalPro consortium, which explores the growing need for skills development, workforce transformation and inclusive employment opportunities across the sustainable blue economy in Europe.
