TRUE BLUE - CEI support to Training and Research to Unlock and Enhance the potential of sustainable BLUE Economy for regional cooperation and EU integration

Through this project, the CEI – Central European Initiative – supported the advancement of a Sustainable Blue Economy.

The TRUE BLUE project, led by OGS, aims to transfer knowledge through capacity-building activities to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania, supporting their advancement towards EU integration and promoting regional cooperation. The project’s activities respond to the common and specific needs of these countries regarding know-how transfer on sustainable blue economy, a field in which Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia have long-standing experience.

TRUE BLUE organized a Training of Trainers course, implemented by OGS, EMUNI, and IOR, to upskill key public administration officials who can then transfer knowledge to their peers, thereby boosting institutional capacity in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

InSET, as the Albanian partner, contributed by facilitating the application process and selecting trainees, ensuring an effective response to the challenges of the green transition, with a focus on EU strategies to achieve a sustainable blue economy.

The know-how beneficiaries — UNSA, UoM, and InSET — contributed to sharing good practices and planning regional cooperation through four thematic workshops, organized by the project coordinator in close collaboration with them. This activity enhances regional cooperation between different stakeholders across countries, involving research and academia, industry, government, and civil society.

The project activities are helping to establish a sustainable blue economy community of public administration officials in the beneficiary countries, who will be able to collaborate and continue their efforts beyond the project’s completion.

The Training of Trainers was held in Trieste (Italy) and Piran (Slovenia) from 10 to 14 June 2024, supporting Training and Research to enhance the potential of a Sustainable Blue Economy. It hosted 15 public administration officials from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, who actively participated in lectures, field visits, and interactive activities focused on sustainable blue economy issues, with the goal of aligning with EU standards and policies.

➡️ For further information on the project and the Training of Trainers activity, check this link: https://bit.ly/3T9T6u1

InSET, as a local partner with OGS, also co-organized the #Workshop:
“Challenges to achieve Sustainable Blue Economy in Albania, prioritizing water quality from Green Ports to Sustainable Tourism.”

Held at the Durrës Port Authority Headquarters, this event discussed key environmental challenges and best practices in the Blue Economy.

There were strong networking opportunities during the workshop, with participation from other projects such as:
🔗 ASAP – https://www.cei.int/news/10073/marine-protection-and-challenges-to-blue-growth-in-albania-joint-event-in-durres
🔗 TREASURE – https://www.cei.int/events/treasure-3rd-meeting-and-innovative-solution-workshop-on-water-managementquality-and-bio-diversity

The discussion emphasized the need for integrated approaches to enhance Albania’s sustainable tourism sector, in line with the Smart Specialization Strategy, while leveraging the potential of the Blue Economy.

From water quality management to green ports and sustainable tourism, the discussions highlighted the urgent need for collaboration and innovation to protect Albania’s coastal and maritime sectors.