2B-BLUE Workshops Promote Sustainable Blue Innovation in Albania
On May 7 and 18, 2026, a part of the 2B-BLUE Awareness Campaign, “From Sea to Solution: Building the Mediterranean Blue Future,” two major workshops ere organized in Albania, bringing together researchers, public authorities, NGOs, universities, businesses and local communities to discuss the future of sustainable aquaculture and blue biotechnology in the Mediterranean with a special focus on pilot activities in the Bay of Vlora.
The events, held at the Ismail Qemali University of Vlora and the Aleksandër Moisiu University of Durrës, respectively, were coordinated by the Albanian Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (ACEPSD) within the framework of the Interreg Euro-MED 2B-BLUE project.
A key focus of both workshops was the promotion of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), an innovative farming model that combines species such as fish, mussels, oysters and sea cucumbers in the same system. By recycling nutrients and organic matter, IMTA can improve water quality and increase production efficiency, supporting a more circular and sustainable blue economy.
Participants also explored the findings of a national assessment on blue economy and blue biotechnology opportunities in Albania. Discussions highlighted the country’s strong potential for sustainable aquaculture and marine innovation, while also identifying challenges such as limited infrastructure, the need for greater investment in research and innovation and stronger cooperation between academia and industry. In addition, the second workshop concluded with stakeholder discussions, awareness activities, promotional presentations by ACEPSD and community dialogue involving representatives from ports and coastal municipalities of Durres and Kavaja, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation and public engagement in building a sustainable Mediterranean blue future.
Interactive sessions and community dialogues encouraged broad stakeholder participation and reinforced the importance of regional cooperation, environmental responsibility, and innovation in building a resilient Mediterranean blue future.
Photos: ACEPSD
