AKTI Project and Research Centre participated in THALASSA 2026, where Demetra Orthodoxou presented key findings from the SeaTecHub Project. The presentation focused on citizen engagement, blue technologies and the role of public participation in building a sustainable blue economy in Cyprus and Croatia.
The presentation explored how Citizen Clubs and Blue Cafés established in Cyprus and Croatia can help bridge the gap between science, industry and society, creating stronger connections between innovation and public participation.
The blue economy plays a vital role in both Cyprus and Croatia. However, increasing pressures from marine pollution, overfishing and climate change continue to threaten the long-term sustainability of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Findings from the SeaTecHub project revealed an important gap. While most participants recognised the importance of the blue economy, many remained uncertain about current progress towards a truly sustainable blue economy. Even stakeholders directly involved in the marine sector, including divers and fishers, showed limited familiarity with blue technologies relevant to their work.
At the same time, participants demonstrated a strong willingness to engage in marine-related citizen science initiatives and collaborative sustainability actions.
The findings underline a clear message: achieving a sustainable blue economy requires more than innovation and policy. It requires informed communities, meaningful public participation and co-produced knowledge.
