Prof. Michael Briguglio, from the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, has participated in research training related to the Blue Economy.
The Blue Impact Lab: Sustainability Impact Assessment of Blue Economy Strategies in Island and Coastal Regions took place between April 2-5, 2025, at the University of the A鈥媏gean in Rhodes, Greece. This interactive training School was organised by .
The Blue Impact Lab brought together researchers from the social, natural, and applied sciences, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore key methodologies and best practices in socio-economic and environmental impact assessment for the sustainable development of the Blue Economy. Issues discussed included employment, social equity, small scale fishing, yacht marina development, community renewable energy, community participation, protection of maritime and coastal ecology, tourism, aquaculture, waste management, and governance.
Blue Impact Lab involved hands-on workshops on impact assessment methods; a site visit to Chalki, Greece鈥檚 first GR-ECO island; Interactive stakeholder engagement & policy simulation; Expert-led discussions on sustainability strategies for island and coastal regions; and various opportunities for academic and stakeholder networking for participants from 16 countries. This training was particularly useful for Prof. Briguglio's role as Coordinator of the Masters in Social Impact Assessment, offered by the Department of Sociology.
In his capacity as Science Communication Coordinator of RethinkBlue COST Action, Prof. Michael Briguglio also participated in the Media Skills training course for Science Communications Coordinators within the COST Action.
Both initiatives were funded by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).
The main aim and objective of the RethinkBlue COST Action CA22122 is to to assess the impact, and the opportunities arising from the Blue Economy. This will create new insights on how to enhance the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the Blue Economy.
