On March 3, 2025, CoastalPro proudly co-organized an interactive workshop at Ocean Days 2025 in Brussels, alongside NextBlueGeneration and Blue Bio Techpreneurs. The session, titled “Exploring Blue Careers’ Pathways,” was moderated by Piret Liv Stern Dahl (BonoLab ApS, a Danish SME specializing in digitizing sustainability education). The panel featured Odysseas Spyroglou (CoastalPro Project Coordinator, Surf Club Keros), Silja Teege (NextBlueGeneration Project Coordinator, Sea Teach SL), and Alberto Terenzi (representative of Blue Bio Techpreneurs, Submariner Network). Together, they explored innovative strategies for engaging young people in the blue economy and discussed the role of AI, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in shaping future career opportunities.

A Hands-On Workshop with Engaged Participation

Led by Odysseas Spyroglou, CoastalPro’s Coordinator, the session attracted professionals, educators, and youth organizations eager to explore new ways of attracting talent to coastal tourism and other blue economy sectors. Through an interactive post-it note brainstorming session, participants worked in groups to answer key questions such as:

✅ How can we make sustainable blue careers more attractive to young people?

✅ What are the biggest challenges in securing talent for the green transition?

✅ How do we envision AI shaping the blue economy workforce?

Key Takeaways from the Discussion

🔹 AI’s impact on the Blue Economy: Participants highlighted AI’s potential in marine biodiversity tracking, ocean mapping, and surveillance for sustainable maritime operations.

🔹 Challenges in talent recruitment: The discussion emphasized the need for career clarity, better mentorship, and interdisciplinary learning to prepare young professionals for blue economy jobs.

🔹 Boosting Blue Careers’ Appeal: Suggestions included film festivals, social media campaigns, and embedding entrepreneurship into marine science education.

CoastalPro’s Role in Blue Careers Development

CoastalPro presented its game-based learning approach, which simulates real-life coastal tourism business scenarios to equip learners with entrepreneurial skills. The program, designed for students, young professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs, aligns with the EU’s Blue Economy Strategy and aims to create eco-friendly and sustainable tourism opportunities.

🎯 What’s Next?

CoastalPro will continue its mission by launching new cohorts of learners in March 2025, offering mentorship, crowdfunding opportunities, and internships to participants.

Stay tuned for more updates, and if you’re interested in joining the next cohort, visit CoastalPro’s website! 🌊💼

#CoastalPro #BlueCareers #OceanDays2025 #SustainableTourism #GameBasedLearning