At the 2nd Transnational PREBIODUNES Event (Rijeka, 11–12 December 2025), the RECONNECT project was presented as part of the Synergy Session & Expert Panel Discussion (Greece – Italy – Croatia), highlighting how circular bio-based innovation can support coastal and marine biodiversity protection.
Cross-Project Knowledge for Coastal and Marine Biodiversity
The Synergy Session, moderated by UNIRI-FABRI and CTI/POLIBA, brought together experts and complementary EU projects to explore shared tools, methods, and innovation pathways relevant to PREBIODUNES—with a strong focus on monitoring practices, data-driven management, environmental education, and blue & green transition skills.
RECONNECT participated alongside:
- Project MareSkill – blue skills & coastal sustainability – presented by Sanja Shihabi
- Project RECONNECT – circular bio-based solutions – presented by Petra Karanikić
- Project Bioprospecting (BIOPROCRO) – underexplored marine biodiversity & sustainable use of resources – presented by dr. sc. Dean Marković
The session also featured contributions from regional and local institutions:
- City of Crikvenica – Vjekoslava Glavan
- Eko Murvica d.o.o. – Mario Jelčić
- VIO Žrnovnica Crikvenica Vinodol d.o.o. – Karmen Simčić
- Apulia Region – ISPRA – Dr. Rosanna Augello, presenting “Approaches and Indicators used for Carta Natura of Apulia Region”
Experts from Greece, Italy, and Croatia reflected on project synergies and discussed how interdisciplinary knowledge can strengthen biodiversity protection and future PREBIODUNES pilot actions.
RECONNECT’s Contribution to the Synergy Session
During the session, RECONNECT highlighted how circular bio-based solutions and industrial symbiosis models—supported by AI tools and open innovation practices—can complement coastal restoration and environmental monitoring efforts.
The presentation focused on transforming blue-economy waste streams into valuable bio-based products, encouraging cross-sector collaboration and strengthening resilience in Mediterranean coastal communities.
By participating in this joint dialogue, RECONNECT reinforces its mission to create a bridge between research, local actors, policy frameworks, and craft-based SMEs.
This collaborative ecosystem is essential for promoting sustainable practices, reducing environmental pressure, and creating long-term socio-economic benefits for the Mediterranean region.
The Synergy Session demonstrated that robust, interdisciplinary cooperation is key to addressing the complex challenges facing coastal and marine ecosystems.
Together, PREBIODUNES, MareSkill, RECONNECT, Bioprospecting, and regional partners showcased how aligned methodologies and innovative tools can jointly strengthen environmental protection, biodiversity monitoring, education, and sustainable territorial development.
Find out more about the RECONNECT project and how it contributes to the ISE Mission priorities at 👉 https://reconnect.interreg-euro-med.eu/.
“Participating in the Synergy Session was an excellent opportunity to present RECONNECT’s circular bio-based approach within a wider Mediterranean context. The exchange of perspectives between research institutions, local authorities, and international experts shows how joint efforts can accelerate sustainable innovation and support biodiversity in our coastal regions.”
