As the third article in our Blue regions in action series, this week we travel to Albania, where creativity, community engagement, and strong youth participation have shaped an inspiring acceleration journey toward a more sustainable blue economy.
STEP 1: Identification of regional challenges
The co-creation workshop held on 20 December 2024 gathered local stakeholders from NGOs, businesses, academia, youth groups, students, and individual citizens to identify Albania’s most pressing blue economy challenges.
The identified challenges include Sustainable Tourism, Marine Resource Management, Pollution and Waste Management, and Maritime and Coastal Infrastructure.
STEP 2: CALL FOR INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
A total of 13 solutions were submitted to the Call for Solutions in Albania, showing high engagement from academia, youth innovators, and civil society. Of these 13 solutions, 1 was submitted by an NGO, 3 by businesses, 4 by youth and students, 3 by academics and researchers, and 2 by individual applicants.
The submitted solutions fall into the following challenge areas:
1. Sustainable Tourism (58.3%) – Most proposals focused on eco-friendly, inclusive, and community-based tourism models that protect coastal and marine ecosystems while offering new visitor experiences.
2. Pollution & Waste Management (25%) – Several proposals targeted circular approaches to coastal waste, smart recycling systems, and awareness campaigns against marine pollution.
3. Marine Resource Management (16.7%) – These ideas promote the sustainable use of marine resources, ocean literacy, and responsible fisheries.
No applications were submitted under Resource & Waste Infrastructure, highlighting a potential area for future innovation and support.
STEP 3: ACCELERATING THE IDEAS THROUGH THE TRAIN LAB
On 27–28 October 2025, the University of “Aleksandër Moisiu” Durrës became a hub of innovation during the Blue Ecosystem TRAIN Lab. Over two days, the event brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, students, researchers, and local actors committed to shaping a resilient and sustainable blue future.
The innovative solutions presented included:
- SEA4ALL – Inclusive swimming area for people with disabilities
- Blue Civic Watch – Community-led coastal sustainability
- Coastal Heritage Trails
- Eco-Experience Trails – Smart coastal tourism routes
- An Example in Albania for the Blue Economy
- Blue Youth Innovation Labs
- Blue Skills for Future Careers
- BlueWave – VR Tourism Planner
- BlueStay – Eco-Hotel Certification & Hub
- Blue Fish-to-Fork Network
- Blue Carbon Coastal Tourism Observatory
- BlueBox – Smart beach waste stations
- Coastal Eco-Brand Accelerator
DAY 1
-
Opening remarks by Prof. Asoc. Dr. Brunela Trebicka
-
Presentation of Call for Solutions results by Prof. Dr. Azeta Tartaraj
-
Keynotes on blue innovation and citizen science by MSc. Elona Kurtiqi and Dr. Violeta Aliaj
-
Pitching sessions and interactive co-creation workshops led by MSc. Kurtiqi, Dr. Ariola Harizi, and Dr. Belisa Korriku
DAY 2
-
Practical training
-
Mentoring
-
Strategic sessions on turning ideas into fundable, high-impact projects
-
The closing session “From idea to impact”
-
Final reflections and next steps by Prof. Asoc. Dr. Brunela Trebicka
Participants continued working with mentors and experts until 27 November 2025, followed by a final follow-up activity on 10 December 2025 to present their progress and outline their next steps.
Stay tuned to BLUE ECOSYSTEM social media for real-time updates (LinkedIn or website).
For further information about the project, please contact jordi.juarez@crpm.org
