Almería Emerges as a Leader in the Blue Economy at Greencities Forum 2025
At the Greencities Forum 2025 in Málaga, Almería showcased its pioneering role as a blue municipality, promoting sustainable marine economic activities and unveiling strategic collaborative initiatives aligned with European Ocean Pact agreements.
- • Almería highlighted its leadership in the Blue Economy at the Greencities Forum with participation from over 2,200 professionals.
- • The city integrates the Blue Economy into its Urban Agenda 2030 through collaboration with businesses, academia, and society.
- • Almería functions as a "living lab" for sustainable marine economic activities aligned with the Nice Pact for Oceans.
- • The upcoming Sun&Blue Congress in November aims to further position Almería as an innovation hub in the Mediterranean Blue Economy.
Key details
Almería is solidifying its role as a key player in the Blue Economy in Southern Europe, highlighted by its active participation in the 2025 Greencities Forum held in Málaga. This prominent event attracted over 2,200 professionals from 27 countries, including more than 45 mayors, more than 200 companies, and over 100 cities, all focused on creating sustainable urban models. The forum featured more than 40 thematic panels addressing resilient, inclusive, and intelligent territories with an emphasis on climate action, technology, and circular economy.
María del Mar Plaza, manager of Empresa Municipal Almería 2030, presented Almería's innovative approach during the roundtable "Blue Cities and Territories: Innovation, Sustainability, and the Ocean Economy." She underscored the city's commitment to becoming a leading 'blue municipality' by integrating the Blue Economy into its Urban Agenda 2030 through strategic planning and strong collaboration between businesses, academia, and society. Almería's advantageous natural and strategic conditions enable it to function as a "living lab" for marine-related economic activities such as aquaculture, coastal tourism, marine research, and offshore renewable energy—all aimed at sustainability.
The discussion emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and strategic planning in coastal municipalities to address environmental and economic challenges effectively. Almería's approach aligns with the recently approved Nice Pact for Oceans, which is expected to mobilize over one billion euros in European funds dedicated to sustainable marine economy initiatives.
Looking ahead, Almería will host the Sun&Blue Congress on November 19-20, a flagship event focusing on tourism and the Blue Economy. This congress aims to reinforce the city's position as a Mediterranean hub for innovation in blue territories and further strengthen interterritorial cooperation for sustainable development.
With its robust model and international engagement, Almería is setting a benchmark for sustainable marine economic growth, inviting other coastal cities to embrace collaborative and innovative strategies within the Blue Economy framework.