On July 9th 2026, the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas of Dubrovnik-Neretva County hosted the second final conference of the BlueDiversity project, titled "Preserving Biodiversity and the Future of Mariculture", at the Rector's Palace in Ston.
The conference brought together project partners, representatives of Croatian and Italian institutions, members of the scientific and academic community, representatives of the education sector, and other experts interested in marine biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources.
During the conference, participants were presented with the activities and results achieved throughout the implementation of the BlueDiversity project, with particular emphasis on the project's objectives, implemented actions, and their contribution to the conservation of marine ecosystems and the sustainable development of mariculture. The event provided an opportunity to review the project's achievements, exchange experiences and best practices, and discuss future challenges and opportunities for cross-border cooperation in the field of nature conservation.
As part of the conference, numerous experts also presented other initiatives related to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and marine resource management. The presentations covered topics including the protection of marine and coastal habitats, sustainable aquaculture, climate change adaptation, protected area management, and the involvement of local communities in preserving natural heritage. These examples of best practice further highlighted the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange in developing effective solutions for the conservation of the Adriatic Sea.
The BlueDiversity project is focused on improving the condition of marine ecosystems by reducing the negative impacts of human activities on biodiversity while simultaneously strengthening the economic and territorial potential of coastal areas. For the Public Institution, the project's pilot area is Mali Ston Bay. A particular focus has been placed on controlling the spread of invasive alien species, especially the blue crab, which poses a significant threat to the local ecosystem. As part of the project activities, blue crabs have been removed from the ecological network Natura 2000 site - Mali Ston Bay and the Mali Ston Bay and Malo More Special Marine Reserve using specialised traps. In addition, a professional biodiversity conservation study, including aerial photogrammetry of the bay, was carried out, providing valuable data to support the future management and protection of this unique marine area.
The project has also developed practical tools for local stakeholders, including educational programmes, professional training, and the application of innovative technologies, with the aim of encouraging their active involvement in nature conservation and the sustainable management of marine resources. Furthermore, a series of Blue Tourism Routes has been created, linking the natural, cultural, and economic heritage of the project area through innovative tourism experiences, with a particular emphasis on fisheries, aquaculture, and local food and wine traditions.
In addition to the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, the project partners are the University of Salento – Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas of Split-Dalmatia County, Eduforma Ltd, the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, the Blue Marine Service Cooperative Company, and the University of Padua.
The project is co-financed under the Interreg Italy–Croatia 2021–2027 Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, with a total budget of €2,022,051.66, while the activities implemented by the Public Institution amount to €230,000.00. The project runs from 1 March 2024 until 31 August 2026.
