VII. International Scientific and Professional Conference "Climate Change and Conservation of Marine Ecosystems of the Adriatic Sea"

This year's theme for World Oceans Day (June 8, 2026) is "Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet", which fits in well with the focus of the 7th International Scientific and Professional Conference "Climate Change and Conservation of Marine Ecosystems of the Adriatic Sea", which will be held from October 1 to 4, 2026 in the Brijuni National Park.

The conference is organized by the Aquarium Pula and the Association of Marine Education Centers Pula, and the main organizers are the Ruđer Bošković Institute and the Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, University of Zadar.

Marine protected areas are one of the most effective ways to mitigate the negative human impact on the oceans. They are particularly important within the framework of the international initiative 30×30, of which Croatia is a participant, which aims to protect 30% of terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats on Earth by 2030. This year, the conference will therefore specifically discuss the challenges and examples of good practice in the management of marine protected areas and their role in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Marine protected areas mitigate climate change by reducing human pressures such as overfishing and habitat destruction, increasing ecosystem resilience, preserving biodiversity, and enabling the recovery of key species and habitats that contribute to carbon storage and maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.