An online workshop held on 25 February 2026 brought together regional organisations, research institutes, and conservation partners to refine the governance approach for the Southern Adriatic Ionian Strait (SAIS) EBSA. The two‑hour session convened representatives from SPA/RAC, MEDPAN, Plan Bleu, Blue World Institute, UTARTU, UMA, UNIMIB, IUCN Med, Torre Guaceto MPA, WWF Italy, and WWF Adria, creating a platform for technical exchange.
Participants provided targeted feedback on the co‑management methodology from the Blue Connect project, emphasizing the need for clearer differentiation between stakeholders and right‑holders. These improvements were deemed essential to avoiding misconceptions that such a process is “ecology‑only” rather than socially grounded. Further discussion addressed the Blue Connect operational framework, calling for a clearer visualisation of how governance structures, stakeholder roles, and co‑management functions align within the ecological sequence.
Several concrete next steps were agreed upon to reinforce coordination and advance implementation. The governance process development will be supported by the creation of two dedicated Working Groups: one on Science & Connectivity and another on Governance & Policy. Participants agreed to use Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) as the main vehicle for embedding SAIS EBSA ecological priorities into ongoing national processes, including transboundary consultations. Additional opportunities to strengthen visibility and alignment will be pursued through engagement in upcoming strategic events.
These decisions are complemented by continued follow‑up actions, including the selection of core team members for both Working Groups. As the region experiences heightened political attention to marine protection, participants emphasized the importance of leveraging this momentum to accelerate implementation and secure lasting governance improvements. Together, these efforts underscore the strong collaborative momentum driving SAIS EBSA cross-boundary protection forward.
