On 12th of October 2016 dr. Peter Mackelworth, BWI Conservation director and dr. Draško Holcer, BWI president, participated in the ADRIATIC+ project Policy Brief Conference in Brussels organised on the premises of Marche Region Representation. Our aim was to bring conservation of the Adriatic to the heart of the European Union and present the results of our project and initiatives to relevant policy makes from relevant EU DG’s (DG Mare, DG Regio and DG Environment) who came to participate if the discussion.

The speakers on the conference were mrs. Olga Sedioli from Emilia Romagna Region, mr. Tommaso Pagliani from Abruzzo Region, dr. Caterina Fortuna, Adriatic+ Scientific Coordinator of City of Pescara and Dr. Peter Mackelworth from Blue World Institute. During presentations dr. Mackelworth presented the main result of the EU IPA CBC ADRIATIC+ project, the „Feasibility study for the Adriatic+ Decision Support System (DSS) for the adoption of measures to mitigate threats to the marine and coastal biodiversity“.

The main debate after the presentations was around the topics of marine spatial planning and marine coastal conservation linked to the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR). It was an opportunity to highlight the crucial role that the Adriatic plays in everyday life of coastal communities and all citizens, in securing sustainable growth and jobs enhancement, and hence requiring better management of coastal zones and maritime space by all actors concerned.

The audience was involved in a lively and interactive debate on the relevance and applicability of the proposed DSS.

In the afternoon the Blue World Institute representatives participated in the conference organized by the Adriatic-Ionian Macroregion “Delivering EUSAIR: Time to Invest” within the 14th European Week of Regions and Cities.

It was a great and successful day for Adriatic conservation!