PRO-Coast

07/09/2026

📘 New PRO-Coast Publication: Advancing Knowledge on Norway's Coastal Challenges
We are pleased to announce a new scientific publication co‑authored by David Herbert of the University of Bergen (UiB), a key member of the PRO‑Coast consortium. The article, available in a leading scientific journal, showcases the project's ongoing commitment to rigorous, interdisciplinary research in coastal social‑ecological systems .
This publication emerges directly from the work conducted in the Norwegian case studies, which are central to understanding the complex dynamics of coastal biodiversity loss and societal response. The University of Bergen's team leads the Norwegian component of PRO‑Coast, engaging with two critical cases in the Bergen area: the issue of ghost fishing and the governance dilemmas surrounding the proposed Kildn zero‑emission ferry terminal on Askøy .
First Case Study: Understanding Ghost Fishing
This case involves collaboration with Norges Miljøvernforbund (NMF) to study the impact of lost and abandoned fishing gear. The research aims to build a comprehensive picture of plastic pollution, forgotten fishing equipment, and the severe consequences of ghost fishing on marine biodiversity. By following the efforts to both clean up and create long-term, sustainable funding models for cleanup, the publication adds to a growing evidence base for effective intervention .
Second Case Study: Governance and the Green Transition
The second case follows the political and administrative processes around a proposed zero‑emission port on Askøy. This situation places the imperative of green energy and sustainable transport in direct tension with the protection of a current agricultural, natural, and recreational area (LNF). The research explores the decision-making factors, the stakeholders involved, and whose voices are heard in balancing these competing interests. This study is emblematic of the "people‑nature‑governance" nexus that lies at the heart of the PRO-Coast mission .
The work of David Herbert and his team is a testament to the project's broader goal of applying the Social‑Ecological Systems Framework (SESF) to understand the interactions between ecological, social, and governance subsystems . By providing empirical data and analysis from the Norwegian context, this publication strengthens our capacity to develop effective, community-oriented solutions for the conservation of coastal biodiversity.
Congratulations to David Herbert and the entire team at the University of Bergen for this valuable contribution to the PRO‑Coast legacy and the wider scientific community.
🔗 Explore the article here: https://lnkd.in/dVj5Bbkw
👍 @ακόλουθοι Privredna komora Crne Gore / Chamber of Economy of Montenegro Friends of the Earth Malta PRO-Coast Panagiotis Georgiou UNIVERSITÄT LEIPZIG Università del Salento Norges Miljøvernforbund

28/08/2026

🌍 PRO‑Coast Makes Waves in Cyprus! CHUI Presented for the First Time at THALASSA 2026 🇨🇾
We are happy to share some exciting news! Our PRO-Coast partner Frederick University presented the Conservation & Human Use Index (CHUI) for the very first time in Cyprus – and the response was fantastic! 👏
The occasion was the THALASSA 2026 Marine Sciences Conference in Larnaca, a major gathering of marine experts, researchers, industry leaders, NGOs, and policymakers from across the Mediterranean. 🌊

🎤 What Happened?
Panagiotis Georgiou of Frederick University delivered a compelling presentation that captured the full attention of the room. The audience – some of the region's top minds in marine science and coastal governance – listened with great interest as CHUI was introduced.
Why? Because CHUI fills a gap that many in the room had been struggling with: a single tool that looks at ecology, governance, and people – all together. 🤝
🌿 CHUI in Action
Using the Akamas Peninsula as a local example, Panagiotis showed how CHUI helps diagnose challenges like:
✅ Fragmented responsibilities among stakeholders
✅ Communities feeling excluded from decisions
✅ Tensions between conservation and local livelihoods
✅ Weak enforcement and visitor pressure

CHUI assesses four key dimensions:
Natural Values & Ecosystem Services 🌱
Threats & Pressures ⚠️
Governance ⚖️
Social Perceptions 👥
🏝️ Real‑World Impact: Comino, Malta

The presentation also featured the Comino Island case study by our partners
Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) . Despite its Natura 2000 status, Comino faces:
Overwhelming mass tourism
Weak enforcement and fragmented governance
Habitat degradation and marine disturbance
Through CHUI, FoEM was able to identify conflicts, integrate data, and prioritise actions – proving the tool's real‑world value. 💪
💡 What CHUI Can Do
- Diagnose conflicts & synergies
- Integrate ecological, governance & social data
- Compare across sites and over time
- Include local communities in decision‑making
- Guide adaptive management

🔗 Explore CHUI Yourself!
This powerful tool is free to use and available online:
👉 https://chui.pro-coast.eu/
🎉 A Milestone for PRO-Coast in Cyprus
This was the first time CHUI was presented to a Cypriot audience – and the strong interest from attendees confirms that the tool addresses a real, pressing need.
We congratulate Frederick University on this successful presentation and look forward to new collaborations in Cyprus and beyond! 🇨🇾💙
@ακόλουθοι Friends of the Earth Malta Leipzig Research Centre Global Dynamics Privredna komora Crne Gore / Chamber of Economy of Montenegro

16/07/2026

🇷🇴 PRO-Coast in Romania: TotalPR's Corbu Case Study Goes Viral! 🌊📰

We are thrilled to announce that the PRO‑Coast Press Release distributed by our Romanian partner TotalPR has achieved exceptional media pe*******on – reaching over 43,000+ audiences through two major local media outlets!

The Corbu Beach case study has truly gone viral within the local ecosystem, demonstrating the power of targeted media outreach and community engagement.

📰 Featured in:

🔗 Replica Online – one of Romania's most prominent local news platforms

🔗 Observator Constanta – a key regional media outlet

These publications highlight the successful 6th PRO‑Coast Consortium Meeting in Malta and the urgent challenges facing coastal areas like Comino Island – while showcasing the proactive, community‑led approach being pioneered at Corbu Beach -

🌊 Key Facts from the Comino Press Release:

20 partners from 14 countries gathered for the 6th Consortium Meeting -

Comino Island – a Natura 2000 site – faces severe overtourism, waste pollution, and weak governance despite its legal protections -

The Conservation & Human Use Index (CHUI) was officially presented – a multi‑parameter assessment tool integrating ecological, governance, and community data

The Community Sustainability Platform (CUSP) is advancing as a multilingual hub for long‑term community engagement

🏖️ What Makes Corbu Different?

While Comino struggles with the consequences of unmanaged tourism, Corbu Beach – led by TotalPR – is building a proactive stewardship model:

The "Vecinii de la Corbu" (Neighbors of Corbu) campaign is Romania's first‑ever biodiversity awareness campaign

Informational panels on the beach and 500+ flyers distributed

Two successful workshops with 20+ schoolchildren and local HoReCa businesses

Dedicated social media channels building a permanent digital community

1,500+ citizen science observations on iNaturalist

📊 The Result:

✅ 43,000+ audiences reached

✅ Two major media outlets covering the story

✅ Viral momentum within the local ecosystem

✅ Growing coalition of children, residents, and businesses becoming "neighbors" who protect what they share

👏 A Huge Congratulations to TotalPR!

This is what effective communication and community engagement look like. Your work is setting a benchmark for all PRO‑Coast case studies.

🔗 Read the coverage:

🔹 Replica Online: [eplicaonline.ro/pro-coast-incheie-cu-succes-cea-de-a-6-a-reuniune-a-consortiului-organizata-in-malta-662271?z=l ]

🔹 Observator Constanta: [https://observatorconstanta.ro/2026/07/06/pro-coast-incheie-cu-succes-cea-de-a-sasea-reuniune-a-consortiului-organizata-in-malta-si-evidentiaza-provocarile-urgente-cu-care-se-confrunta-zonele-de-coasta-de-pe-insula-comino]

@ακόλουθοι Ana Filipovic Privredna komora Crne Gore / Chamber of Economy of Montenegro Università del Salento Constantine Iliopoulos Friends of the Earth Malta TotalPR Privredna komora Crne Gore / Chamber of Economy of Montenegro Costa Nostrum Vecinii de la Corbu TalTech Tartu kolledži Üliõpilasselts Friends of the Earth Malta

06/07/2026

PRO-Coast Project: Sixth Partner Meeting in Malta and Montenegro’s Pilot Case Study has a special issue in Glasnik Newletter which is distributed to all the members of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, sharing the highlights from the recent sixth partner meeting of the PRO-COAST project, held from 19 to 21 May 2026 in Valletta, Malta. This special monthly issue pinpointed the following:

"The event brought together the 20 partners from 14 European countries to discuss the ongoing evolution of the project and its key achievements.

A central theme of the meeting was the urgent need to balance the preservation of our seas, coastlines, and biodiversity with the sustainable development of tourism, which is vital for local communities. The discussions emphasized innovative solutions, including the validation of a new assessment tool—the Conservation and Human Use Index (CHUI)—designed to help decision-makers understand the boundaries of acceptable development and to mitigate conflicts between economic interests and environmental conservation. This tool is at the forefront of European debates on sustainable tourism and biodiversity protection.

As part of the case study presentations, Ana Filipović, representing the of Economy of Montenegro, shared insights from the study titled “The Impact of the Cruise Industry in the Bay of Kotor”. This research critically analyzes the ecological and economic effects of the rapidly expanding cruise tourism in the region. While acknowledging the significant economic benefits brought by cruise and nautical tourism, the study also highlights the increasing pressures on local infrastructure, marine ecosystems, and the quality of life of residents.

Preliminary findings from the research, conducted in collaboration with industry representatives and academic partners, underline the importance of sustainable management practices to ensure the long-term viability of the Bay of Kotor as a premier tourist destination.

The PRO-Coast project continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering innovative approaches to coastal management, ensuring that development aligns with ecological preservation and the well-being of local communities".

For more information, visit www.komora.me.

@ακόλουθοι Ana Filipovic Università del Salento Olympia Papadopoulou Constantine Iliopoulos Leipzig Research Centre Global Dynamics PRO-Coast Privredna komora Crne Gore / Chamber of Economy of Montenegro

30/06/2026

PRO‑Coast in Montenegro: Charting a Sustainable Blue Economy for the Bay of Kotor 🌊🌍

We are proud to share that the PRO‑Coast project was recently presented at the "Sea of Opportunities – EU Projects for Montenegro's Sustainable Blue Economy" event! 🤝✨

This important gathering brought together public institutions, private sector leaders, academics, and EU‑funded projects – all united by a shared vision: building a sustainable blue economy that works for both people and nature. 🌱💙

🎤 On behalf of PRO‑Coast, Ana Filipovic from the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro – our lead partner for the Bay of Kotor case study – delivered a powerful presentation.

She highlighted:
✅ PRO‑Coast's mission to empower coastal communities
✅ The unique challenges and opportunities in the Bay of Kotor
✅ Initial findings on local perceptions of cruise tourism
✅ The urgent need to balance economic growth with biodiversity conservation ⚖️

🌊 Why the Bay of Kotor Matters

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a jewel of the Adriatic – but it's under pressure. Tourism, urbanisation, and climate change are testing its resilience. PRO‑Coast is working hand‑in‑hand with local communities, businesses, and policymakers to find solutions that protect nature while supporting livelihoods. 🏛️🐚

🔄 Transformational Change in Action

Events like "Sea of Opportunities" are more than just meetings – they are catalysts for societal transformation. They foster cross‑sector collaboration, build trust, and create the conditions for lasting, community‑led change. PRO‑Coast is proud to be part of this movement. 🌍🤝

🔗 Read more about the event here:
👉 https://komora.me/projekti/more-prilika-eu-projekti-za-odrzivu-plavu-ekonomiju-crne-gore

📢 Let's keep the conversation going!

We believe that sustainable coastal management is not just about policies – it's about people. It's about empowering communities, listening to local voices, and co‑creating a future where both nature and society thrive.

What does a sustainable blue economy mean to you? Share your thoughts below! 👇💬

@ακόλουθοι

25/06/2026

🌊✨ More News from PRO-Coast! ✨🌊
Our partner, FoE Malta, leading the Maltese Case Study in Comino, organized the thrilling KAMP Kemuna — a dynamic youth-focused event designed to explore and protect our precious Blue Lagoon! 🌿🧭
Using the innovative PRO-Coast tool CHUI and the Social-Ecological Systems Framework (SESF), young teams embarked on an engaging field exploration. They mapped out the lagoon, identified key environmental challenges, and assessed human impacts shaping this unique coastal ecosystem — all through hands-on activities! 🌊🔍
This initiative empowers youth to become active stewards of their environment, fostering awareness and action for sustainable coastal management. 💚🌍
Join us in celebrating the next generation of eco-champions! 💪🌿
🌎🛶

05/06/2026

PRO-Coast Case study in Slovenia: Wildlife Monitoring Goes High‑Tech & Community‑Led! 🐺📸

Our Slovenian partners at Univerza na Primorskem / University of Primorska are crushing it in the Strunjan coastal area! Here's what they've achieved:

📱 SRNA App – Citizen Science in Action
✅ 300+ wildlife records (16 species: mammals & birds)
✅ Hunters as citizen scientists – local knowledge meets data
✅ Wave 2 survey: 80+ responses already

📸 Camera Trapping
📸 150,000+ images, 16 species detected – ongoing monitoring

🎓 Training Locals
✅ Certified micro‑credential training (Dec 2025)
✅ Research night for high school students (Sept 2025)
✅ Training for students, farmers & community (March 2026)

📄 Publications
📖 Paper in Journal for Nature Conservation
🎤 Poster at NATMed conference + 3 posters for Wild Boar conference

🔄 Deep Change Framework in Action
Step 1 – Urgency: Reduce human‑wildlife conflicts, monitor invasive species
Step 2 – Team: UP, Forest Service, Hunting Association, farmers, landowners
Step 3 – Vision: Collaborative governance + data‑driven management
Step 4 – Communicate: Workshops with locals, hunters, schools – huge interest!
Step 5 – Empower: Better cooperation, training, SRNA app tools, conflict mitigation

🚀 What's Next?
🌍 Upscaling to other protected areas
📱 New SRNA features (educational games, competitions)
🇸🇮 National wildlife monitoring (eDNA, camera traps)
📊 More workshops, KPIs, and scientific papers

✅ Key Numbers
Metric Result
SRNA records 300+
Camera images 150,000+
Species 16
Survey responses 80+
Trained citizens Dozens
👏 Huge congrats to University of Primorska – setting the standard for community‑led wildlife monitoring! 💚

@ακόλουθοι Friends of the Earth Malta Costa Nostrum Atlantic Technological University Leipzig Research Centre Global Dynamics Università del Salento Ibercivis CARTIF Vecinii de la Corbu Privredna komora Crne Gore / Chamber of Economy of Montenegro TalTech Tartu kolledži Üliõpilasselts Norges Miljøvernforbund Universitetet i Bergen

03/06/2026

🌍 PRO-Coast Across Europe: 10 Case Studies, One Mission for Coastal Resilience
From the Baltic to the Black Sea, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic – PRO-Coast is alive and thriving! 🚀
This video takes you on a journey across 10 unique coastal case studies spanning 10 European countries. Together, 20 partners are empowering local communities to restore biodiversity, balance tourism with nature, and build lasting coastal governance.
🌊 What you'll see:
Streedagh Beach, Ireland – marram grass monitoring & community workshops
Comino Island, Malta – confronting overtourism at the Blue Lagoon
Corbu Beach, Romania – the "Neighbors of Corbu" awareness campaign
Klogaarana-Laulasma, Estonia - Ecosystem restoration & stakeholder dialogue
Kildn and Ghostfishing, Bergen, Norway
Apulia, Aquatina di Frigole, Italy – participatory governance in action
Boka Kororska, Montenegro - confronting overtourism as a cross-sector of cruiseships allover the globe
Area of Strunjan, Slovenia - coast – citizen science wildlife app (SRNA)
Arne Parish, UK - Ecosystem restoration & stakeholder dialogue
And more!
✅ Success highlights:
CHUI platform live – Conservation & Human Use Index tool
Webinar series reaching hundreds of participants
1,500+ citizen science observations on iNaturalist
Wave 2 surveys collecting stakeholder voices for EU policy
New business & youth coalitions championing sustainable tourism
🔁 Why it matters:
PRO-Coast is proving that community-led action + science = real coastal resilience. The project is on track, the tools are working, and the partnerships are growing stronger every day.
🎥 Watch now and see how Europe's coasts are being transformed – together athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZguqQv5ZhGI
👇 Join the movement! Share this video, visit our website, and explore the CHUI tool.
🔗 www.pro-coast.eu
🔗 https://chui.pro-coast.eu/

@ακόλουθοι Friends of the Earth Malta Costa Nostrum Atlantic Technological University Privredna komora Crne Gore / Chamber of Economy of Montenegro Leipzig Research Centre Global Dynamics Università del Salento Olympia Papadopoulou Univerza na Primorskem / University of Primorska Ibercivis CARTIF Constantine Iliopoulos TotalPR Vecinii de la Corbu PR&More
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZguqQv5ZhGI

Pro Coast The pres

🌍 PRO‑Coast Across Europe: 10 Case Studies, One Mission for Coastal...

02/06/2026

PRO‑Coast in Romania: „Vecinii de la Corbu“ – A Campaign That Turns Everyone into a Coastal Guardian! 🌊💚 By TotalPR

During the 6th PRO‑Coast meeting in Comino, Malta, hosted by FoE Malta, our Romanian partner TotalPR shared something truly special – the “Vecinii de la Corbu” (Neighbors of Corbu) campaign. It's the first‑ever awareness campaign for Corbu Beach, one of Romania’s last truly wild beaches. And it's working! 🎉

🌿 What Makes This Campaign Unique?
✅ Brand identity featuring the Dalmatian Pelican – a local conservation icon 🦩
✅ Core message: “There is room for everyone, if we take care” 🤝
✅ Informational panels on the beach since August 2024 – every visitor sees them 🪧
✅ 500+ flyers distributed via Corbu City Hall, plus a new batch for summer 2026 📄

👥 Two Amazing Workshops
🧒 Workshop 1 – Children (20+ students)
Led by a PhD researcher from University of Bucharest + a marine biologist. Hands‑on fun learning about local plants and animals – growing the next generation of nature lovers! 🌱🐞

🏨 Workshop 2 – HoReCa Business Community
Restaurant & accommodation owners learned about responsible tourism. Result? Strong enthusiasm – businesses are ready to co‑champion the cause for the 2026 season! 🙌☕🍽️

📈 Impact So Far
✅ Tourists learn about biodiversity right on the beach – at the point of visit 🏖️
✅ Three groups engaged: children, residents/tourists, local businesses – all becoming “neighbors” who protect what they share 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏘️
✅ TotalPR is now a long‑term partner helping businesses shift toward nature‑conscious practices 🌍

🛠️ What's Next? (Exciting stuff!)
🔹 Large‑format billboards at accommodation entrances (requested by businesses!) 📢
🔹 In‑room brochures – turning every guest room into a biodiversity classroom 🛏️📘
🔹 Local nature guide training – starting in Corbu school, creating a new generation of eco‑guides 🎓🚶‍♀️
🔹 Citizen science – 1,500+ iNaturalist observations already! Scaling via contests & social media 📱🔍
🔹 Attracting a new tourist profile: birdwatchers, ecotourists, families – low impact, high awareness 🦜👨‍👩‍👧

📊 Data & Visibility
📋 EU stakeholder survey (Wave 2) – door‑to‑door, online, at workshops – reaching tourists, residents, businesses
📊 113 responses – KPI on track for “Willingness to Pay for Conservation” 💶
📱 Dedicated Facebook & Instagram for „Vecinii de la Corbu“ – building a permanent digital community that will outlast the project 🌐
📰 Mass media exposure: 6 articles, 67k+ total reach – Corbu is now called “one of Romania’s last truly wild beaches” and a model for responsible tourism, with PRO‑Coast as the driving force 📰✨

🌍 Why This Matters
While Comino (Malta) suffers from overtourism and weak governance, Corbu is building a proactive, community‑owned stewardship model – exactly what PRO‑Coast aims to scale across Europe. 💪🌊

“We are no longer just campaign deliverers. We are becoming long‑term partners for a nature‑conscious business community.” – TotalPR Team

🔁 Something You Can Copy!
The “Neighbor” communication model – community‑identity framing – can be adapted to any shared natural space where locals, tourists, and businesses co‑exist. Want to try it in your area? Let us know! 👇

👏 Congratulations TotalPR!
You've shown how creativity, science, and community can turn a wild beach into a living laboratory for sustainable coastal futures. 🇷🇴💙

Share this post if you believe in community‑led conservation! 🔁💬
@ακόλουθοι Atlantic Technological University Friends of the Earth Malta Ibercivis CARTIF Costa Nostrum Cosmin Mares PR&More Frederick University Olympia Papadopoulou

02/06/2026

Comino Island PRO-Coast MAltese Case Study - Photo Story by Friends of the Earth Malta