Ecomondo 2023

organized by Ecomondo Scientific Technical Committee & GNRAC, ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), Legambiente (Italian environmental association), Waterfrontlab, CPMR (Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions)

Structures and infrastructures of the Blue Economy are mainly based on coastal zones and port areas. These two environments must face the effects of climate change and for this reason it is essential to adapt them to the change to mitigate risks and reducHe the impact on people and the economic sector. On the other hand, the blue economy sector must also follow the already traced development roadmap towards the so-called ecological and energy transition. These two missions, i.e. the adaptation to climate change and the ecological and energy transition must be tackled together and the necessary actions must be synergistic for both purposes in order to obtain a more satisfactory overall effect than that which would be obtained by tackling them separately. This synergistic approach must also support the objective of enhancing the value of use of the funds made available by the Next Generation EU and PNRR programs for adaptation to climate changes and for a sustainable development of the blue economy.

This Ecomondo event is dedicated to the coastal environment, and it aims to figure out the current state and prospects for the development and application of strategic plans and actions for the adaptation to climate changes and for supporting the ecological and energy transition, in order to create the conditions for a sustainable development of the blue economy. Presentations of EU and National strategic plans, projects, partnerships and case studies are kindly invited.

In particular, examples of activities already done by regional or local Governments and port Authorities that can constitute examples of best practices to do specific and already proven initiatives of adaptation to climate changes, are very welcome.

Session Chairs

Lorenzo Cappietti, GNRAC
Roberto Montanari, Emilia-Romagna Region
Enzo Pranzini, University of Florence
Giuseppe Sciacca, CPMR

Programme

Session 1: Regeneration and adaption of the coastal zone: from a necessity to an opportunity

10.00-10.15 Greetings
Irene Priolo, Vice-President - Councillor for ecological Transition, combating Climate Change, Environment, Soil and Coastal Protection, Civil Protection, of Emilia-Romagna Region

Introduction by the Chairs

FOCUS ON ACCESS TO FINANCING

10.15-10.30 Results of the assessment on the National Plans for Adaptation to CC of Member States with a focus on the Coastal Areas
Catherine Chabaud, SEArica Intergroup European Parliament

10.30-10.45 Focus on financing for the EU ACC Strategy implementation and pluriannual financial frame post 2027
Willem Jan Goossenm, DG CLIMA European Commission

10.45-11.00 The National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change with a focus on Coastal Areas
Fabiana Baffo, Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security - DG USSRI

FOCUS ON GOOD PRACTICES

11.00-11.15 The adaptation and management of Italian coasts in the climate change scenario
Michele Manigrasso, Gabriele Nanni - Legambiente

11.15-11.30 The Horizon Regions4Climate project, innovative solutions for climate resilience of coastal communities
Luigi Enrico Cipriani, Tuscany Region - Soil Defence and Civil Protection Directorate - Water, Land and Coast Protection Sector

11.30-11.45 Ravenna, a case study on the adaptation of the coastline to the climate change
Annagiulia Randi, Councillor for Productive Activities, Port, European Policies and International Cooperation, Ravenna Municipality

11.45-12.00 Approach to coastal management in a changing climate in France, actions of adaptation and retreat actions in process
Martin Renard, GIP Littoral, Nouvelle-Aquitaine- France

12.00-12.15 The Dutch approach: Adaptation on the South- Holland Coast
Arjan van de Lindeloof, Province of Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands

12.15-12.30 Advancement of the waterfront requalification project intervention in Rimini, perspective of completion and financing framework
Anna Montini, Councillor for Ecological Transition and Blue Economy, Rimini Municipality

12.30-12.35 Training young people for tomorrow's challenges: the contribution of the Water and Coastal Management master degree course (WACOMA)
Elena Fabbri, full Professor of Physiology - University of Bologna

12.35-12.40 The UN Decade Collaborative Centre for Coastal Resilience: enhancing local communities for a resilient Coast 
Andrea Valentini, DCC-CR Chief Scientist - University of Bologna

12.40-13.00 Discussion and closure by the Chairs

Session 2: Green Ports, regeneration of port areas for the ecological and energy transition

14.00-14.15 Introduction by the Chairs

14.15-14.30 The Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership. Green and smart ports as purpose driven innovation towards climate neutrality
Margherita Cappelletto, Italian Coordinator of SBEP (Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership) by Italian Ministry of University and Research

14.30-14.45 Energy Transition Partnership in EU fisheries and aquaculture
Ana Peralta Baptista, EC DG Maritime Affair (Mare.A4)

14.45-15.00 The Atlantic Smart Ports Blue Acceleration Network (AspBAN)
Ricardo Marvao, Beta-I

15.00-15.15 Opportunities for the Port areas by the Interreg Adrion Programme and the revised European Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region, EUSAIR
Lodovico Gherardi, IPA ADRION 2021-2027 Programme - Coordinator of the Managing Authority Unit

15.15-15.30 The challenges of energy and ecological transition for the Italian ports
Giovanni Caprino, President of Blue Italian Growth

15.30-15.45 Dredging sediments management: waste or by-product?
Federico Peres, managing partner B&P Avvocati

15.45-16.00 Green Ports: designing and implementing the future of Ravenna port – soil washing plant, port hub and other ongoing projects
Mario Petrosino, Operative Director, Matteo Graziani, Technical Director Port Authority of Ravenna

16.00-16.15 Environmental objectives of the Next Generation EU - Role and contribution of port enterprises
Paolo Ferrandino, Secretary General FISE Uniport

16.15-16.30 Fishing for litter: story telling of the pilot experiences in some Italian marineries
Federica Barbera, Marine Biodiversity Manager - Legambiente

16.30-16.45 Discussion and closure by the Chairs

organized by Ecomondo Scientific Technical Committee & European Commission -DG MARE, CNR-IUAV-CORILA

Maritime Spatial Planning is recognised a key enabler for Sustainable Blue Economy (Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy, COM (2021) 240 final), the Blue Pillar of the EU Green Deal. Mediterranean EU countries are finalizing and implementing their Plans, while non-EU Mediterranean countries are more and more understanding the importantance of MSP while developing their Blue Economy and Blue Sectoral Strategies. The Conference will aim at informing and raise awareness in the wide marine and maritime community on the state of play, the trajectories and the challenges at Mediterranean scale. 

Session Chairs

Felix Leinemann, European Commission - DG Mare
Vincent Favrel, European Commission - CINEA
Andrea Barbanti, CNR-ISMAR (Institute of Marine Sciences)
Martina Bocci, CORILA

Programme

9.15 Introduction by the Chair
Vincent Favrel, Head of Unit for Sustainable Blue Economy (European Commission-CINEA)

Session 1.1: Towards a Mediterranean Agenda for MSP

9.25-9.40 The Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy and the role of MSP: a vision for the Mediterranean
Felix Leinemann, European Commission - DG Mare

9.40-9.55 Implementing environmental policies in connection with an ecosystem-based MSP process (focusing on the Mission Restore our Oceans and Seas and on the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership)
Ivan Conesa Alcolea, European Commission - DG RTD

9.55-10.10 The UfM Blue Economy Roadmap and MSP: working pan-Mediterranean
Alessandra Sensi, Union for the Mediterranean

10.10-10.25 Linking ICZM and MSP in the framework of the Barcelona Convention
Marina Markovic, UNEP/MAP PAP-RAC

10.25-10.55 Q&A discussion, using SLIDO polls and questions from the audience
Moderator: Andrea Barbanti, CNR-ISMAR (Institute of Marine Sciences)

10 minutes stretching

Session 1.2: MSP in action

11.05 Introduction by the Chair
Andrea Barbanti (CNR-ISMAR)

11.10-11.15 EMFF/EMFAF support to the implementation of MSP
Vincent Favrel, Head of Unit for Sustainable Blue Economy (European Commission-CINEA)

11.15-11.25 MSP platform, its support to MED Member States and regional initiatives considering the role of the European Blue Forum
Thanos Smanis, MSP Assistance Mechanism

11.25-11.35 Data and tools for MSP: the TEG on data for MSP and the REMAP project
Andrej Abramic, UGC

11.35-11.45 Linking MSP with conservation objectives through Ecosystem-Based Approach
Antonia Leroy, WWF EPO

11.45-11.55 Biodiversity mainstreaming in MSP: MSP4BIO project
Ivana Stoianovic, S.Pro.

11.55-12.05 Multi-level governance for effective MSP: REGINA project
Celine Jacob / Olivier Laroussinie, CEREMA

12.05-12.15 MSP as an enabler for EU Green Deal ambitions and objectives: MSPGREEN project
Martina Bocci, CORILA - Folco Soffietti, IUAV

12.15-12.25 Building a Community of Practice (CoP) for MSP in the Mediterranean: towards coherent and effective MSP implementation at basin scale
Emiliano Ramieri / Samir Bachouce, MED-MSP-CoP

12.25-12.55 Q&A discussion, using SLIDO polls and questions from the audience
Moderator: Martina Bocci, CORILA

12.55 Closure of the morning session by the Chairs
Vincent Favrel, European Commission - CINEA
Martina Bocci, CORILA
Andrea Barbanti, CNR-ISMAR (Institute of Marine Sciences)

organized by Ecomondo Scientific Technical Committee & Legacoop Agroalimentare

The farming of fish, shellfish and aquatic plants in the sea or inland waters is one of the fastest growing food sectors in the world and is an important contributor to global food supplies and economic growth. 67% of EU aquaculture production is concentrated in four countries: France, Greece, Spain and Italy. More than half of the total volume of aquaculture production focuses on shellfish, while marine and freshwater fish account for approximately 21% and 28% of the total volume. The most farmed species are mussels, trout, oysters, sea bream, sea bass, carp and tuna. The initiative offers an overview of the various aquaculture activities, illustrating projects, experiences and good practices in aquaculture.
 

Programme

Chair: Laura Giorgi, Journalist

15.00-15.10 Introduction

15.10-15.25 Oyster farming, venericulture and the threat of the blue crab
Mattia Lanzoni, ecological researcher at the University of Ferrara, Disap department

15.25-15.40 Algae cultivation: opportunities and critical issues
Antonio Moritti, Business manager ITACA Cooperative Society – Alga Ulisse

15.40-15.55 Case history: Capraia smart island, Aqua & Agri-Culture
Sofia Mannelli, Chimicaverde bionet President 

15.55-16.10 Sustainable aquaculture from the point of view of fish producers
Pier Antonio Salvador, President WP FISH Copa Cogeca President, A.P.I. - Italian Fish Farmers Association President 

16.10-16.25 Sustainable aquaculture certification
Giuseppe Prioli, President of the Emilia-Romagna Mussel Farmers Consortium

16.25-16.40 Good practices and strategies for blue growth
Luigino Pelà, President of A.M.A. – Mediterranean Aquaculture Association
Eraldo Rambaldi, Director of A.M.A.

16.40-16.55 New strategies and future perspectives for sustainable fish farming in the Mediterranean
Alessio Bonaldo, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna

16.55-17.10 EU Aquaculture Assistance Mechanism (AAM)
Laura Giappichelli, Programme Coordination Manager, Unit Sustainable blue economy at European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), European Commission

17.10-17.20 Q&A 

17.20-17.30 Conclusions by Massimo Bellavista, Fisheries and Aquaculture Manager Emilia-Romagna Legacoop Agroalimentare

organized by Ecomondo Scientific Techcnical Committee & Cluster BIG, WestMED Clusters Alliance

There is growing need of finding new sustainable way to produce food, energy and reduce waste in both land and sea. These unpredecent challenges are getting increasing priorities at European, national and regional level, and growing attention is given to the Blue Economy emerging and innovative sectors, including Blue bioeconomy and biotechnology, sectors that offer significant potential for economic growth, sustainability transition, as well as employment creation.

In order to address these challenges, it has been registered a significant increase of funding opportunities to help support organisations in addressing these challenges. According to the EU blue economy report 2022, about € 345 million have been allocated to blue bioeconomy and biotechnology under Horizon 2020, and there is growing attention to this growing sector with more fundings available in the coming years.

Several European marine and maritime clusters and organisations have already taken on these challenges and intend to address these issues through European-funded projects. We will hear of several actions taken through projects funded by COSME, Erasmus+ and EMFAF, with the main aim to maximise the positive impacts and enhancing the innovation in the blue bioeconomy sector by supporting SMEs, the backbone of the European economy, through cascade funding, and through the training of new maritime clusters manager in order to provide the right skillset to address critical issues related to blue economy sectors, with positive impacts on the bioeconomy, as well as investing in new innovative sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in various sectors, i.e. aquaculture.
 

Session Chairs

Giovanni Caprino, Cluster Blue Italian Growth
Leonardo Manzari, WestMED Clusters Alliance
Angiolo Boncompagni, MUR
Apollonia Tiziana De Nittis, Emilia Romagna Region/Mistral

 

Programme

10.00-10.20 Introduction by the Chairs

Giovanni Caprino, Cluster Blue Italian Growth
Leonardo Manzari, WestMED Clusters Alliance
Angiolo Boncompagni, MUR
Apollonia Tiziana De Nittis, Emilia Romagna Region/Mistral
 

SESSION 1 – BLUE ECONOMY PROJECTS ACROSS THE MEDITERRANEAN

10.20-10.40 Overview of EMFF/EMFAF projects in the Mediterranean and future opportunities
Vincent Favrel, CINEA Sustainable Blue Economy Unit

10.40-11.00 The WestMed Clusters Alliance blue economy projects: MEDBAN, IKAT, MARMED projects addressing the bioeconomy-related challenges
Sara Tedesco, Cluster Blue Italian Growth

11.00-11.20 ALGAENAUTS: development of new lines of sustainable and eco-friendly biopesticides line of products
Joaquín Pozo Dengra, Algaenauts project

11.20-11.40 EU-funding opportunities in the Mediterranean
Leonardo Manzari, WestMed Clusters Alliance

11.40-12.00 Bluesealand as a blue bridge across the Mediterranean
Nino Carlino, BueSeaLand

12.00-12.20 Advanced manufacturing for energy related applications in harsh environments
Stefano Valentini, ADMA Emilia Romagna Region

12.20-12.40 The Challenge of the Circular Economy approach for a common European Ship Recycling Strategy and the Blue Growth
Enrico Maria Mosconi, Università della Tuscia

13.00-14.00 Lunch break

SESSION 2 – BLUE ECONOMY & BIOECONOMY EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIPS

14.00-14.20 Digital Twins of the Ocean: European and Italian Initiative
Emilio Fortunato Campana, DIITET-CNR

14.20-14.40 Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP): joint transnational calls and emerging blue economy opportunities
Angiolo Boncompagni, Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, Brussels - MUR

14.40-15.00 Circular Bio Based Industry Joint Undertaking (CBE JU): a public-private partnership to unlock the European bioeconomy potential
Virginia Puzzolo, Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking

15.00-15.20 The Joint Programming Initiative Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans) joint actions in support of the blue bioeconomy
Angelo Camerlenghi, JPI Oceans, National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics – OGS

15.20-16.30 Discussion and closure by the Chairs

organized by Ecomondo Scientific Technical Committee & Legacoop Agroalimentare, European Commission (DG MARE), Emilia-Romagna Region

On the occasion of the European Year of Professional Skills, the initiative aims to involve institutional representatives and stakeholders to explore opportunities but also to illustrate the experiences and good practices gained in the field of vocational training in the blue economy in order to guide and direct specific strategies aimed at developing employment and new professional skills.

Session Chair

Vincent Favrel, Head of Unit for Sustainable Blue Economy, European Climate Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) 

Programme

11.30-11.40 Introduction by the Chair

Session 1: EU blue skills – from policies and to practice

11.40-11.50 EU initiatives supporting (the development of) blue skills
Sandra Castaner, European Commission DG MARE

11.50-12.05 Professions and skills for employment and blue growth
Massimo Bellavista, fisheries and aquaculture manager Emilia-Romagna Legacoop Agroalimentare

12.05-12.15 Optima&AquatechInn4.0 projects for the aquaculture sustainable – Erasmus+
Andrea Gugnali, Project Manager MARE Società Cooperativa

12.15-12.30 WINBLUE (Empowering Women and Mainstreaming Gender Equality in the Blue Economy)
Patrizia Grifoni, Project Coordinator Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)

12.30 -12.45 Q&A

Session 2: Empowering Fishers in the blue economy

12.45-13.00 The challenges of the future in professional fishing. Safety and health on board, and ratification of international Conventions relating to the fishing sector 
C.C. (CP) Emilia Denaro, Capo Sezione, Ufficio 2 – Sezione 6 “Sicurezza della Navigazione delle Unità di Pesca”, Reparto VI – Sicurezza della Navigazione e Marittima, Comando Generale del Corpo delle Capitanerie di Porto (tbc)

13.00-13.10 The region role in developing fisheries and aquaculture sector strategies for jobs and blue growth
Piergiorgio Vasi, Responsabile Sviluppo e valorizzazione della pesca marittima e dell’acquacoltura, Regione Emilia-Romagna

13.10-13.20 BOUTCAR Project (Blue jobs through blue careers)
Laura Zambrini, Project manager Demetra Formazione

13.20-13.30 Green to Blue & Catching the Potential: Setting the Standard for Sustainable Fishing Training Project
Daniel Voces de Onaìndi Gonzalez, Managing Director at Europêche

13.30-13.45 Q&A

13.45-14.00 Conclusion by the Chairs