7th Scientific and Professional Conference

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

The conference is organised by the Ruđer Bošković Institute and the Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture of the University of Zadar, in cooperation with Aquarium Pula and the Marine Education Centre Pula Association.

Marine protected areas are among the most effective tools for mitigating the negative impacts of human activities on the oceans. They are particularly important within the framework of the international 30×30 Initiative, of which Croatia is a participant, aiming to protect 30% of the Earth's terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats by 2030. This year's conference will therefore place special emphasis on the challenges and examples of good practice in the management of marine protected areas, as well as their role in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Marine protected areas help mitigate climate change by reducing human pressures such as overfishing and habitat destruction, increasing ecosystem resilience, conserving biodiversity, and enabling the recovery of key species and habitats that contribute to carbon sequestration and the maintenance of balanced marine ecosystems.