On 8th October, in celebration of the initiative by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries: European Maritime Day 2026 – Satellite Event in My Country, students from ULPGC and UAEGEAN part of ERUA’s Blue Commission are organising the conference “Diving Into Blue Horizon”. It will take place in person at ULPGC headquarters (Sala 26 de Abril) and you may also join online through this link: Diving Into Blue Horizon – Zoom link
The event aims to create a space of dialogue, networking, exchange and debate with regard to Blue Economy, marine sustainability and challenges surrounding archipelagos focusing on the examples of Canary Islands and Aegean Islands. By proposing a variety of activities and formats, researchers, students, institutions and other stakeholders related to the topic, we expect a meaningful exchange of knowledge, experiences and proposals to face the challenges.
Programme Description
During the event, different researchers and experts will deal with a variety of topics including oceans, climate change, marine biodiversity and resilience in archipelagos.
Among the lectures and workshops, we would underline oceanography and marine dynamics, Earth observation and drone technologies, environmental governance, water management, marine robotics and AI, as well as microplastics in the oceans.
Speakers from University of the Aegean will contribute to the discussion, by reflecting and giving a different perspective on environmental challenges and collaboration opportunities within the context of archipelagos.
Students as cornerstone in the debate
The programme includes a section called “El Eco de las Aulas – Flash Talks Estudiantiles”. During an hour students will have the opportunity to present their cutting-edge researches, and initiatives briefly, in a span of five minutes.
Their presentations include topics such as marine biodiversity, blue carbon,microplastics pollution, maritime decarbonisation or Blue Economy, among others.
From research to action
To conclude, participants will gather in a round table “De la Investigación a la Acción”. This space is conceived as a way to foster dialogue between different stakeholders directly linked to Blue Economy, such as Autoridad Portuaria de Las Palmas or Banco de Algas.
The debate will focus on finding already existing links and opportunities among universities, technological centres, institutions as well as public entities, in order to identify ways of cooperation and feasible solutions to joint challenges surrounding archipelagos and their territories.
You can discover the full programme of the event “Diving Into Blue Horizon” and find out about the activities, lectures and participants.
Registration
If you would like to attend the European Maritime Day 2026 Satellite Event “Diving Into Blue Horizon”, please confirm your attendance through the following form:
Diving Into Blue Horizon (ERUA) — Attendance Confirmation: Fill in the form
Registration deadline: 1 October 2026.
More information
For further information regarding this event please contact the organising committee: erua@ulpgc.es.
