Blue economy funding opportunities explored in Limassol event

The Cyprus Foundation of the Sea (CyFOS) announced on Friday that it successfully held an informational workshop on April 6, exploring blue economy funding opportunities through the European Commission’s research and innovation framework programme 2021-2027 ‘Horizon Europe’.

The event, which took place at the Limassol Municipal Blue Innovation Centre-Royal Caribbean Group, was the first one of its kind held at the facility.

The space was made available by Limassol mayor Nicos Nicolaides, who also attended the event.

The workshop provided an overview of the Horizon Europe Programme, its structure and budget, the procedure and rules for participation, as well as the services offered to potential participants.

Moreover, particular focus was given to the Horizon Europe Clusters related to the blue economy sector, as well as to the European Mission ‘Restore our Oceans and Waters’.

During his opening speech CyFOS chairman, captain Eugen-Henning Adami, thanked the Limassol mayor for his initiative to create the Blue Limassol Innovation Centre, where the foundation’s office will be officially hosted.

Adami also briefed the participants about the foundation’s latest developments, with the holistic environmental risk assessment of the Limassol coastal area being a particular highlight.

The scientific study was initiated by the Municipality of Limassol in 2020, with Frederick University being tasked with conducting it.

The study’s results were presented on March 30 at the Blue Limassol Forum 2022.

The chairman also mentioned that the five working committees of the foundation will now commence their actions and activities for 2022 and invited members to join the various committees.

“One of the initiatives of the municipality was the creation of the Blue Innovation Centre, whose mission is the development of solutions and technological tools, products and services by young entrepreneurs and other stakeholders on issues related to the blue economy and the shipping industry,” Limassol mayor Nicos Nicolaides said during his address.

“The event falls within the scope of the Limassol Municipal ‘Blue Innovation Centre-Royal Caribbean Group’, and within the priorities of the municipality,” Nicolaides added, before extending his full support to the initiative.