The two-day conference brought together exhibitors from across Europe to highlight the blue economy’s innovation and investment potential. EU4Algae was amongst the exhibitors, showcasing the groundbreaking work done with algae.
Taking place in Svendborg, Denmark, on 30-31 May, at the SIMAC Academy-Svendborg International Maritime Academy, the 2024 edition of the European Maritime Day (EMD) provided an engaging and interactive experience for Europe’s maritime community and enabled networking, discussions and outline joint actions on maritime affairs and sustainable blue economy.
It featured many inspirational speakers, thematic sessions, stakeholder workshops and pitch sessions organised by stakeholders and the European Commission. It also counted with the presence of professionals from businesses, governments, public institutions, NGOs and academia as well as EU citizens interested in the Sea.
One of the EU stands was EU4Algae. To showcase its ongoing initiatives, raise awareness and acceptance of algae, and collect data for its consumer behaviour analysis, EU4Algae brought an array of algae-based products and interactive activities, offering a firsthand experience of the potential of algae in various applications.
Visitors to the EU4Algae stand could sample a diverse range of algae-based products (i.e., algae crackers and supplements) kindly provided by Nordic SeaFarm & PureRaw, and gain insights into the versatility and nutritional benefits of algae. From culinary delights to innovative materials, attendees had the opportunity to taste and explore the potential of algae up close, sparking conversations about its role in sustainable food production and resource use.
Another highlight of the EU stand was the EU4Algae Interactive Platform, where visitors could engage in immersive experiences such as taking the EU4Algae Quiz, answering a dedicated Survey, and playing our interactive Game centred around algae. This interactive approach not only educated participants but also fostered a deeper understanding of the importance of algae in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
EU4Algae also led a thought-provoking discussion on the European strategy to enhance algae sustainable production and consumption. This workshop brought together different EU Algae funded projects, including a representative from DG MARE, Algae Industry Study, AlgaeProBANOS, Cool Blue Future, and the INNOAQUA project. The objective was to showcase how these different initiatives are complementary in supporting a regenerative algae industry in Europe. One of the conclusions was that more important than to scale is to stimulate the conditions for an environmentally friendly production. The importance of creating awareness around algae products and applications to stimulate consumption was also stressed, besides the bioremediation potential of algae and its benefits for environmental health.
In conclusion, EU4Algae's presence at the European Maritime Day 2024 helped highlight the growing importance of algae as a sustainable resource with diverse applications across industries. By showcasing innovative products, engaging activities, and fostering meaningful discussions, EU4Algae continues to help drive forward the algae industry.
Additional information
Join the #EU4Algae conversation and keep an eye on the EU4Algae Forum to learn more about the development of the algae sector.
To contact us, please use the following email: contact
eu4algae [dot] eu (contact[at]eu4algae[dot]eu).
Details
- Publication date
- 7 June 2024
- Author
- Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries