Last week, the GES4SEAS project held its 2nd annual meeting, hosted by TUBITAK partners in Istanbul. The gathering was not only a testament to the great venue and hospitality provided by TUBITAK but also a crucial moment for the project’s progression.

The agenda centred on reviewing the accomplishments of the first 18 months and strategizing for the upcoming third year. Key updates from various Work Packages (WPs) were discussed, with a strong emphasis on collaborative sessions that stimulated brainstorming and collective strategizing among partners.

A major highlight of the meeting was the extensive testing of the GES4SEAS toolbox across different learning sites. Partners demonstrated various tools developed under the project, such as SEAS4GES, CIMPAL, Bow-tie Analysis, SCAIRM, and Ecopath with Ecosim, showcasing them to the Practitioners Advisory Board.

To finish off the week in the best way possible, we celebrated a recent accolade – the MakeEUblue award received by the AZTI Summer School, organized under the scope of the GES4SEAS project. This recognition underscores the project’s impact on promoting ocean literacy and sustainable marine management through innovative educational initiatives.

As GES4SEAS moves into its third year, the enthusiasm and commitment displayed by our partners promises further advancements in marine ecosystem management and conservation.