BLUE Q Project

🌊 Second meeting in Vlora with potential end-users of the BLUEQ project: One step closer to protecting blue carbon! On June 13, 2025, at the Kraal Hotel in Vlora, AULEDA organized the scoping meeting with representatives of protected area agencies, local/regional management authorities and academic institutions, within the framework of the cross-border BLUEQ project. The discussions focused on the need to design a common solution for the monitoring and management of marine habitats of high ecological value, such as Posidonia oceanica meadows. These ecosystems constitute the “blue lungs” of our seas, conserving carbon, protecting biodiversity and improving water quality. 🌱🌍The discussions brought to attention the challenges on the ground, the lack of up-to-date data, the need for simple digital platforms and the active involvement of the local community. The meeting highlighted the importance of inter-institutional cooperation and capacity building for the long-term protection of our coastal ecosystems. 💬🤝 #BLUEQ #BlueCarbon #ProtectedAreas #PosidoniaOceanica #Vlora #AULEDA #MarineEcosystems #Climate #Collaboration

📍 Stakeholder Meeting with the Region of Crete for the BLUEQ Project On July 8, 2025, the Institute of GeoEnergy FORTH / IG held an on-line elaboration meeting with officials from the Region of Crete, in the framework of the BLUEQ project, co-financed by the Interreg IPA ADRION programme. The BLUEQ Solution was presented as a decision-support tool for planning policies and actions related to the protection of coastal ecosystems and blue carbon accounting. The Region of Crete expressed interest in participating in the BLUEQ Observatory and the Blue Carbon Network through the signing of a memorandum of collaboration. 📌 Many thanks to all the officials who participated! #BLUEQproject #BlueCarbon #ClimateAction #Crete #InterregIPAADRION#EuropeanUnion

📍 Murter & Šibenik | BLUEQ Workshops on Blue Carbon As part of the BLUEQ project, two workshops were held in Croatia to exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation in protecting blue carbon ecosystems, with a focus on Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. 🔹 The first workshop took place on Murter Island, near the Žut–Sit island group — one of the project’s future research sites. It brought together representatives from the University of Zadar, Kornati National Park, and the Argonauta Association, with support from the Mayor of Murter-Kornati Municipality, showwing strong local suport for the initiative.  🔹 The second day in Šibenik brought together a broader group, including representatives from Šibenik-Knin County’s Environmental Protection Department, the Public Institution for Physical Planning, the Ruđer Bošković Institute, the Sunce Association, and biologists from Telašćica Nature Park and Public Instiution Natura Jadera. 💬 With several participants already working on related blue carbon initiatives, the workshops emphasized the need to better connect efforts and share knowledge. There was a strong sense of support and willingness to collaborate further through the BLUEQ project.

On May 14, 2025, the Institute of GeoEnergy FORTH / IG held an elaboration meeting with the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) “Amphictyony” and representatives of various local authorities of Greece in the European Parliament in Athens, as part of the event “From Introversion… to Euroversion” held by EGTC. The elaboration meeting was organized in the framework of the BLUEQ project, co-financed by the Interreg IPA ADRION programme. The BLUEQ Solution was presented as a decision-support tool for strengthening local strategies on climate resilience and achieving carbon neutrality. ⚙️ Discussions focused on the potential for municipal cooperation through the EGTC “Amphictyony”, as well as on the need to protect and restore blue carbon areas. 📌 EGTC “Amphictyony” expressed interest in joining the BLUEQ Observatory and the Blue Carbon Network through the signing of a memorandum of collaboration. 📌 Many thanks to all the officials who participated! #BLUEQproject #BlueCarbon #ClimateResilience #EGTCAmphictyony #InterregIPAADRION#EuropeanUnion _________________________________________________________________ 📍 Συνάντηση εργασίας με τoν ΕΟΕΣ “Αμφικτυονία” για το έργο BLUEQ Στις 14 Μαΐου 2025, το Ινστιτούτο Γεωενέργειας του ΙΤΕ (Institute of GeoEnergy FORTH / IG) πραγματοποίησε συνάντηση εργασίας με τον ΕΟΕΣ «Αμφικτυονία» και με τη συμμετοχή εκπροσώπων ΟΤΑ από διαφορετικές περιοχές της Ελλάδας στην αίθουσα εκδηλώσεων του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου στην Αθήνα στο πλαίσιο της εκδήλωσης «Από την Εσωστρέφεια….στην Ευρωστρέφεια» που διοργανώθηκε από τον ΕΟΕΣ. Η συνάντηση εργασίας πραγματοποιήθηκε στο πλαίσιο του έργου BLUEQ που συγχρηματοδοτείται από το ευρωπαϊκό πρόγραμμα Interreg IPA ADRION. Παρουσιάστηκε η λύση BLUEQ ως εργαλείο υποστήριξης τοπικών στρατηγικών για την ενίσχυση της κλιματικής ανθεκτικότητας και την επίτευξη ουδετερότητας άνθρακα. ⚙️ Έγινε συζήτηση για τη δυνατότητα συνεργασίας μεταξύ δήμων μέσω του ΕΟΕΣ, αλλά και για την ανάγκη προστασίας και αποκατάστασης περιοχών μπλε άνθρακα. 📌 Ο ΕΟΕΣ “Αμφικτυονία” εξέφρασε ενδιαφέρον για συμμετοχή στο Παρατηρητήριο BLUEQ και το Δίκτυο Μπλε Άνθρακα μέσω υπογραφής συμφώνου συνεργασίας. 📌 Ευχαριστούμε όλα τα στελέχη που συμμετείχαν! #BLUEQproject#BlueCarbon #ClimateResilience#EGTC Amphictyony#InterregIPAADRION#EuropeanUnion Institute of Geoenergy (FORTH/IG)

🌍 FORTH/IG (Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas / Institute of GeoEnergy) The Institute of GeoEnergy (FORTH/IG) was established in 2019 to conduct critical research supporting climate neutrality by 2050 and the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals for climate and the environment. ⚡ As the world transitions toward cleaner energy, the institute works to advance sustainable energy resource exploitation while ensuring optimal and environmentally responsible management. 🌊 As part of our commitment to the blue economy, we are proud to contribute our scientific expertise in Blue Carbon research through the BLUEQ Project. 🔬 Our role in the project is to develop standardized protocols for the collection and geochemical analysis of samples to assess the stock, sources, and bioavailability of blue carbon in Posidonia meadows of the BLUEQ study sites, including Falasarna Bay in Western Crete, just one hour from FORTH/IG. 🌱 Through our collaboration, we aim to promote the protection and restoration of Blue Carbon Ecosystems as a potential “nature-based solution” to climate change. 🤝 By joining forces with other partners of the project, we are taking concrete steps toward a sustainable future. #FORTHIG #BlueCarbon #Sustainability #ClimateAction #BLUEQ #BlueEconomy #Posidonia #GeoEnergy #Crete #NatureBasedSolutions 🌿💙 Institute of Geoenergy (FORTH/IG)

🌊 BLUEQ Project – 1st Elaboration Meeting in Vlora, Albania! 🌿 On June 13th, at Kraal Hotel conference room, AULEDA organized the first elaboration meeting for the design of the BLUEQ joint solutions with end users. This meeting brought together researchers and other members from the University of Vlora. Together, we explored innovative ways to protect and manage blue carbon ecosystems, focusing on the importance of Posidonia oceanica meadows. The BLUEQ project aims to address the critical conservation and management needs of blue carbon ecosystems, particularly Posidonia oceanica meadows, located in the Adriatic-Ionian Seas. 💡 Topics included: ✅ The ecological role of Posidonia – the "lungs of the Mediterranean" ✅ Threats from climate change, pollution & coastal development ✅ The need for better GIS mapping tools and open access to scientific data ✅ Ideas for a web-based platform integrating habitat, carbon, and biodiversity data ✅ Student engagement in future research and training 🧭 A big thank you to all participants for their insights and ideas!

🌊 The BLUEQ project is making strides in the Adriatic-Ionian Seas! By combining remote sensing, acoustic techniques, and on-the-ground observations, we're creating a comprehensive system to measure and enhance blue carbon ecosystems.🌱 The goal? A sustainable, transnational strategy for coastal management and climate action. 🌍 Excited to share more soon as we work towards a greener future! #BlueCarbon #ClimateAction #Seagrass #BlueQProject

🌱 Did you know? 🌊 Posidonia, a vital marine angiosperm, has one of the slowest growth rates in the ocean! Its horizontal rhizomes grow at a pace of just 1 to 6 centimeters per year, while the vertical rhizomes grow even more slowly, at 0.1 to 4 centimeters per year. This slow growth rate underscores the importance of protecting Posidonia meadows, which play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems by stabilizing sediment, improving water quality, and providing habitat for marine life. 🐠🌿 #MarineConservation #Posidonia #Seagrass #OceanHealth #EcoFriendly #Sustainability #MarineLife #ClimateAction #BlueQproject

The Silent Crisis – Pollution in the Mediterranean & Its Impact on Posidonia ⚠️🌊 The Mediterranean is one of the most polluted seas in the world, and Posidonia oceanica is under threat! 🚨 📉 The Alarming Reality: ❌ Over 200,000 tons of plastic enter the Mediterranean every year. ❌ Oil spills, untreated sewage, and chemical pollutants degrade water quality. ❌ Coastal urbanization & tourism lead to habitat destruction. 🌍 What’s Happening in Key Regions? 🇬🇷 Greece: Increased marine litter and tourism pressure threaten seagrass beds. 🇦🇱 Albania: Unregulated waste disposal & industrial pollution affect marine habitats. 🇭🇷 Croatia: Coastal development and anchoring damage Posidonia meadows. 🇮🇹 Italy: Plastic pollution & overfishing are major concerns for marine biodiversity. 🇲🇪 Montenegro: Rising urbanization and maritime activities pose risks to seagrass ecosystems. 🚀 How Can We Make a Difference? 💙 Support marine protected areas & sustainable tourism. ♻️ Reduce plastic waste & pollution entering the sea. 📢 Advocate for stronger marine protection policies. 🌱 It’s time to act now before it’s too late! Let’s work together to save the Mediterranean and protect Posidonia! #StopPollution #SaveTheMed #MarineBiodiversity #ProtectPosidonia #SustainableOceans #BLUEQ

Did you know that Posidonia oceanica, the seagrass of the Mediterranean, absorbs more CO₂ than the Amazon rainforest? 🌍💙 ✅ Carbon Storage: Posidonia meadows act as a carbon sink, capturing CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it in the seabed for thousands of years. ✅ Oxygen Producer: This marine plant generates oxygen, improving water quality and supporting marine biodiversity. ✅ Erosion Protector: It stabilizes the seabed, preventing coastal erosion and protecting shorelines. ⚠️ Threats We Must Address: 🚢 Anchoring & Coastal Development destroy fragile meadows. 🏭 Pollution & Climate Change reduce water quality, slowing growth. ⚠️ Destructive Fishing Practices harm seagrass ecosystems. 🌊 Protecting Posidonia means protecting our climate, our coasts, and our marine life. It’s time to raise awareness and take action! 💡 What can you do? 🔹 Support conservation efforts & sustainable tourism. 🔹 Raise awareness about the importance of blue carbon ecosystems. 🔹 Advocate for policies that protect marine habitats. #BlueCarbon #SavePosidonia #MarineConservation #ClimateAction #SustainableSeas #BLUEQ