Trabzon Inaugurates Blue Economy Summit to Bolster Black Sea Maritime Cooperation

TRABZON – From March 27 to 29, the Turkish city of Trabzon became the focal point for maritime innovation as it hosted the first-ever Blue Economy Summit. The event marks a strategic effort to transform the Black Sea region into a global hub for sustainable economic growth, climate resilience, and international maritime cooperation.

The summit convened a high-level assembly of stakeholders, including senior government officials, representatives from international organizations, industry leaders, and financial experts. Together, they sought to define a roadmap for the “blue economy”—the sustainable use of ocean and sea resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health.

Strategic Priorities and Discussions

The three-day event featured a robust agenda focused on the unique challenges and opportunities of the Black Sea basin. Key areas of discussion included:

• Climate Resilience: Developing infrastructure capable of understanding environmental changes and enhancing coastal protection.

• Technological Innovation: Exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), data solutions, and advancements in marine defense.

• Sustainable Industries: Deep dives into maritime logistics, fisheries, aquaculture, and the development of “blue energy” (renewable energy from the sea).

• Economic Growth: Strategies for blue finance, entrepreneurship, and promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

Regional Leadership and Collaboration

A central theme of the summit was the necessity of international cooperation. Merve Safa Kavakçı, First Deputy Secretary General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC), emphasized the summit’s alignment with the organization’s core priorities.

Kavakçı specifically lauded Azerbaijan for its proactive role within the BSEC, noting that it remains one of the most influential members contributing to regional dialogue. She highlighted that the gathering allowed academics, NGOs, and the diplomatic corps to exchange ideas aimed at protecting the planet while navigating a “challenging and dynamic period” for the region.

Looking Toward the Future

Recep İlhan Yıldız, Secretary General of the Blue Economy Summit Organizing Committee, characterized the inaugural event as a major success that exceeded expectations. He noted that the foundation has now been laid for future summits, to establish Türkiye’s Black Sea region as a premier global destination for logistics and tourism.

“This was our first summit, and I believe it has set a strong foundation,” Yıldız stated, expressing confidence that stakeholder engagement will continue to grow in subsequent years.

Supporting Institutions

The summit was made possible through the collaboration of several academic and regional institutions, including:

• Karadeniz Technical University

• Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry

• Piri Reis University

• Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University

• The Eastern Black Sea Development Agency (DOKA)

• The Trabzon Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports

By uniting technology, policy, and environmental stewardship, the Trabzon summit has signaled a new chapter for Black Sea nations, prioritizing a green and sustainable maritime future.