May 22, was Stakeholders' Day in European Maritime Day 2013 in Malta. 
19 different workshops on as many with topics, for all conference participants to pick and choose. A wide range of policy initiatives related to seas and oceans were discussed. Exhibition booths were also set up at the venue and exhibitors showcased the seas and oceans and the possibilities they offer. More events were held all over Europe.

PERSEUS, STAGES and MISIS (as one group) together with KNOWSEAS (acting also as moderator suggested by the Commission) and the Mediterranean Oceanography Network for the Global Ocean Observing System,  were participating in the  workshop on "Harnessing natural capital to deliver blue growth: Lessons learnt from the Ecosystem Approach" on 22nd May. 

The aim of the workshop was to "demystify the ecosystem approach to marine management in order to meet the targets of Marine Strategy Framework Directive, to demonstrate ways to balance conservation and use of ecosystems while developing and enhancing the ecosystem services which underpin growth in the maritime sectors, to deliver guidance and promote tools for operational oceanography, stakeholder engagement and the development of sustainable maritime tourism with specific examples from the Mediterranean".

As part of the National events held all over Europe on May 22, PERSEUS team participated in Athens beach clean-up organised by the NGO MEDITERANEAN SOS NETWORK. The clean-up, which was being implemented under the framework of European Maritime Day 2013 in collaboration with the Athens IV Primary and Second Primary Education Directorates, the local municipality and authorities included a series of fun, engaging and interactive activities around the marine litter issue; PERSEUS team informed the children about the issues affecting the coastal and marine ecosystems. A short film on the event was produced by PERSEUS Communication Team and was shown on the same day in Malta; 

More info about the Workshops Programme here.

Related Article: Athens beach clean-up was held today with great success!