Regional Seminars

The I Regional Seminar was conceived as a strategic platform for reflection, debate, and collaboration aimed at the creation of SEALab, a laboratory dedicated to the study and development of initiatives related to the sea and its connection with blue tourism, culture, architecture, sustainability, and professional training.

This in-person seminar sought to lay the groundwork for the structuring of SEALab by fostering the exchange of knowledge and experiences among the stakeholders that constituted the Regional Action Groups (RAGs). Through a participatory methodology, best practices and regional challenges were identified and analysed. Their integration into the future SEALab virtual platform enabled the development of innovative tools and tailored solutions for the maritime sector.

The seminar was structured into three key segments. The first featured the Local Partner, as the host entity, presenting the concept and objectives of SEALab, while emphasising its role as a transnational cooperation platform. The second showcased best practices identified by the local RAG members, with the objective of creating a repository of replicable initiatives. Finally, the third segment was dedicated to a collective discussion on regional challenges and future needs.

The II Regional Seminar constituted a significant in-person milestone within the SEALab process, contributing to the development of the Strategic Plan for Maritime Culture and Blue Tourism in the Atlantic Area. It brought together members of the Regional Action Group, socio-institutional stakeholders, experts, and representatives of local communities in order to foster structured dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collective reflection on the future of maritime culture and sustainable blue tourism.

Its principal purpose was to gather relevant regional input, identify shared challenges and opportunities, and contribute to a common diagnostic framework capable of informing future strategic action. Through a participatory and collaborative methodology, the seminar enabled the presentation and discussion of experiences, case studies, and good practices related to blue tourism, art and culture, architecture, sea and sustainability, and training and professionalisation. Special attention was given to the identification of regional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, thereby supporting the formulation of recommendations of both regional and transnational relevance.

In this context, the seminar further reinforced the role of SEALab as a platform for cooperation, innovation, and knowledge transfer, aligned with the values of sustainability, inclusion, and cultural enhancement that underpin the project. Its conclusions contributed to the joint annual report for 2025 and to the broader consolidation of SEALab as a shared framework for action, capable of promoting integrated and sustainable responses to the needs of Atlantic coastal communities.