The Interreg Euro-MED EcoMedIslands project participated in European Maritime Day (EMD) 2026, held in Limassol, Cyprus, on 21–22 May 2026. As the European Commission’s flagship event for the maritime community, EMD brings together policymakers, researchers, businesses, local authorities and innovation stakeholders to exchange knowledge and shape the future of Europe’s sustainable blue economy.
Representing the project, the Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) participated in key discussions on coastal resilience, sustainable tourism and digital innovation, highlighting the importance of circular economy solutions for Mediterranean islands.
EcoMedIslands contributes to discussions on coastal resilience
During Workshop 16 – Science and Innovation for Coastal Resilience, organised by CMCC, participants explored innovative technologies supporting resilient coastal and island communities. The workshop presented the GOOS Ocean Decade Programme CoastPredict, the GlobalCoast Network, and advanced digital tools such as early warning systems, climate downscaling models and digital twins of the coastal ocean.
These technologies closely align with the objectives of EcoMedIslands, which is developing innovative solutions based on IoT sensors, artificial intelligence and data-driven monitoring to optimise waste management systems and improve environmental sustainability across Mediterranean islands.
The session also introduced upcoming EU Ocean Pact initiatives and the European Commission Work Programme 2026 Communication on Islands and Coastal Communities, reinforcing the strategic importance of supporting islands facing climate, environmental and socio-economic challenges.
Sustainable tourism and circular economy
UIB also participated in Workshop 7 – Sustainable Tourism as a Resource for Coastal Communities, organised by CINEA. The discussion focused on transforming tourism from an environmental pressure into an opportunity for sustainable local development.
This topic is highly relevant to EcoMedIslands, as many Mediterranean islands experience seasonal increases in municipal waste due to tourism. Through innovative circular economy approaches and smart waste management technologies, the project aims to help local authorities improve resource efficiency while reducing environmental impacts.
Strengthening collaboration across the Mediterranean
Throughout the event, representatives of UIB engaged with researchers, public authorities and stakeholders from across Europe at the exhibition area, exchanging experiences and discussing innovative solutions for the sustainable development of island territories.
Participation in European Maritime Day further strengthened EcoMedIslands’ collaboration with the wider European maritime community and reinforced the project’s commitment to supporting Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Malta in developing more resilient, sustainable and digitally enabled island communities.
By participating in major European policy and innovation events such as EMD 2026, EcoMedIslands continues to promote knowledge exchange, foster international cooperation and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy and sustainable waste management in Mediterranean islands.
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- European Maritime Day 2026
