We will present our project merging green transition, recycling, education and labor market integration with the blue economy.

During the project, we train vulnerable young people in sailing and technical professions of the green and blue economy. Additionally, they participate in workshops to build and assemble Optimist-type boats from recycled plastic collected from the Greek marine and coastal areas. As part of the project, entrepreneurship training on the blue and circular economy is taking place, with participants presenting their innovative ideas in Hackathon. The project concludes with a celebratory sailing race involving all participants, and a dissemination event to communicate the programme to stakeholders.

During the roundtable, we’ll share the project’s progress, goals, challenges, and adaptations. With participants, we aim to chart next steps, challenges, and opportunities for scalability, fostering partnerships to engage communities in environmental conservation and circular economy practices.