Opening of the regional HUB and focus groups as part of the ABBA project.

Last week we participated in a focus group on challenges and user-driven solutions for the development of the Blue Economy, held within the Regional Center of Croatia, organized by the Maritime Department of the University of Zadar.

The event was attended by numerous stakeholders from education, research, industry, public administration and the civil society. Together, we discussed the key challenges facing the coastal and maritime sectors in Croatia and innovative and sustainable solutions tailored to the needs of our region.

The main topics included reducing the skills gap in the Blue Economy sector, opening new employment opportunities for young people, sustainable management of marine resources and strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and the labor market. The focus group enabled the exchange of ideas and good practices and connecting different sectors with the aim of creating more resilient and sustainable coastal development.

This event also officially launched the Regional Center of Croatia within the ABBA project – Adriatic-Ionian SustainaBle Blue Economy Alliance, which will act as a platform for cooperation, knowledge exchange and capacity building of all actors involved in the development of the Blue Economy in Croatia.

We look forward to continued cooperation and contributing to the development of a more resilient and inclusive Blue Economy that will bring benefits to local communities and future generations.