Blue Limassol Forum 2024: A Convergence for Climate-Neutral Cities
In a significant move towards sustainable urban development, the Limassol Municipality in collaboration with Frederick University’s Department of Maritime and Commerce is organizing the Blue Limassol Forum 2024. The event is set to take place on April 15, from 17:00 to 19:30 at Frederick University, Limassol. This year’s theme, “Limassol, an EU Mission City 2023: Actions on Coast & Sea to improve the quality of life,” underscores the city’s commitment to becoming a climate-neutral and smart city by 2030, a goal that positions it 20 years ahead of most European counterparts.
The forum will celebrate Limassol’s recent recognition as an “EU Mission City” by the European Commission, a testament to its strides towards climate neutrality. The gathering will feature prominent figures such as Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis, Mayor Nicos Nicolaides, and President of Frederick University’s Council Natassa Frederickou.
Since its inception in 2020 by Mayor Nicolaides, the Blue Limassol Forum has been pivotal in promoting the Blue Economy and Coastal Sustainability. It leverages Limassol’s strategic role as a key commercial and shipping hub in the Southeast Mediterranean to engage citizens and stakeholders in addressing urban coastal sustainability challenges.
The forum will host discussions on the transformative impact of the EU Mission for Climate Neutral Cities on coastal communities and marine ecosystems. Frederick University will lead the “Coastal and Port” thematic area, offering scientific expertise on balancing ecosystem protection with quality of life improvements and sustainable urban growth.
Keynote speakers include Dr. Michael Makrominas, who will shed light on the EU Mission for climate-neutral and smart cities, and Dr. Sergey Popravko, who will discuss the university’s “cold ironing” proposal to reduce maritime emissions. Insights from Italian ports’ cold ironing advancements will be shared by Dr. Corrado Sciutto, while Dr. Demetris Kletou will present the IRSAI research project, which employs remote sensing and AI for maritime monitoring in Limassol Bay.
Captain Eugen-Henning Adami will moderate a panel discussion with experts like Dr. Angelos Menelaou, Prabhat Kumar Jha, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Professor Shaul Chorev, Hila Ehrenreich, and Dr. Sciutto. The event will offer simultaneous translation into Greek and urges early registration due to limited seating. More information can be found at Frederick University’s website or by contacting the provided telephone number.