DIPARTIMENTO DI BIOLOGIA (DiBio) : Progetto BlueDiversity

Progetto BlueDiversity

Shared BLUE knowledge and skills to sustain bioDIVERSITY in mariculture - BlueDiversity

BlueDiversity project is an European Union funded project, aiming at answering the Specific Object (S.O.) 2.2 identified by the Interreg Italy-Croatia programme, focusing on focusing on strengthening the protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity, and green infrastructure, while reducing pollution. In the programme area, rich in biodiversity and protected marine areas, many species are at risk due to water pollution and overfishing practices. Indeed, the project supports the improvement of policies protecting biodiversity and the marine ecosystem, combating pollution from human activities, and raising awareness of relevant environmental issues.

In this context, the project intends to improve small-scale fishing and acquaculture practices, contributing to biodiversity conservation and cultural diversity protection, while reducing the impact of human activities on the sea, such as plastic pollution resulting from abandoned fishing nets, by reevaluating the role of local actors and providing them with concrete means and tools. Based on the theoretical framework of socio-ecological system provided by the University of Salento, Project Coordinator, the initiative relies on the analysis and experimentation of existing practices in the Adriatic basin. It aims to develop a re-skilling and up-skilling path for start-ups and SMEs in the sector, establishing living labs as centers of “open innovation” to study, share, and implement best practices. Bluediversity will measure the performance of solutions through specific indicators and involve stakeholders and end-users to ensure an approach respectful of the specificities of territories.

TARGET GROUPS:

– SMEs
– Start-ups
– Regional development centers
– Tourism hubs, especially those related to slow and food and wine tourism
– Education/training centers and schools
– Higher education and research organisations

PARTNERSHIP:

– Coordinator: UniSalento – Italy
– Sea&Krast – Croatia
– Eduforma S.r.l – Italy
– Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries – Croatia
– PIDNIC – Croatia
– Blue Marine Service Cooperative Company – Italy
– University of Padua – Italy