Satellite event: A Sea of ​Centres, together for the future of the sea" Effective protection of the seas to protect marine biodiversity: Sicily and Abruzzo compared

There are 10 Italian cities chosen by the European Commission Representation in Italy collaboration with the Europe Direct Network and Worldrise ETS for the creation of the “Un Mare di Centres”, dedicated to scientific dissemination and awareness raising to defend the sea: with a focus on the 30x30 lens.

On 4 December 2024 it is Trapani's turn which sees the Europe Centers involved Direct Trapani Sicily and Europe Direct Chieti. The event will be an opportunity to raise awareness of environmental issues and the policies of the Union European Union for climate neutrality and represents the continuation of a broader path, already initiated by the EDs indicated, to develop concrete actions in the area aimed at promoting the achievement of the 30x30 objective, a priority in the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy of the European Union (EU).

At the meeting on 4 December 2024, Mariasole Bianco will be present, marine conservation expert and President of Worldrise who will delve into the crucial role of Marine Protected Areas for the protection of our sea and the ecological, social and economic benefits that they are capable of generating, if well managed. It will be highlighted as achieving the goal 30x30 is only possible by working together, through active collaboration between the third sector, institutions and the private sector.

The initiative will see the involvement of the Institute of Marine Biology of the University Consortium of the Province of Trapani, University of Palermo - University Center of Trapani with the Degree Course in Biodiversity and Technological Innovation, University of Chieti, Sicindustria Trapani, OP fishing producers Trapani, AGCI fishing, Istituto S. Calvino - GB. Friend of Trapani, BELC Municipality of Trapani, ITET Garibaldi of Marsala, Nautical Institute "M. Torre" of Trapani, Secondary Schools degree of Pescara, Plastic Free Association, Port Authority - Marine Coast Guard of Marsala, Naval League of Castellammare del Golfo, Polo Piersanti Mattarella of Castellammare del Gulf, USR, ISTAT, ISMed CNR Institute for Mediterranean Studies and the Healthy Ocean & Seas Unit of Directorate General for Research & Innovation of the European Commission.

The meeting will facilitate the certification process of the Blue Schools of the educational institutions of second degree involved and the materials produced may be evaluated by Europe Direct Trapani Sicily for the drafting of the “Cross-border Ocean Sustainability Protocol: Sicily-Malta 2025 ” foreseen in the Sicily-Malta cross-border action.