December 10, 2024. The Blue future of the Italian seas
On December 10th, 2024, 28 people from research, business, government, and community organizations met online in the first Italian Transformative Lab (T-Lab). The event was organized by ENEA (the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) and CNR (the National Research Institute) as part of the 2B-BLUE project. Its main goal was to strengthen the Italian Blue Biotechnology Hub, previously developed within the B-Blue project, by promoting pilot projects that promote innovation and sustainable use of the sea.
During the workshop, participants worked together to align impacts and measure progress for two pilot initiatives led by ENEA and CNR. Topics included eco-friendly fish farming, the circular economy, protecting biodiversity, and involving local interest groups. Key suggestions included reducing bureaucracy, improving the sharing of knowledge, and improving coordination between regions to help the sector grow.
This first T-Lab is an important step for the creation of national Demonstration Sites for Blue Biotechnology in Italy. By testing new ideas like eco-friendly aquaculture and encouraging teamwork across sectors, the project hopes to support marine sustainability, local economies, and healthier ecosystems. This work also supports European efforts for a greener, more sustainable future in the Mediterranean.
