March 19 – The sea as a driver of sustainable development, innovation and employment. This was the guiding theme of the day held in Lecce, where One Ocean Foundation, together with the University of Salento and under the patronage of the Prefecture, promoted two events dedicated to the Blue Economy: One Ocean Summit Young and the Blue Economy Summit. The initiative took place with the participation of Intesa Sanpaolo and Allianz.
The initiative brought together students, researchers, companies, institutions and representatives of law enforcement, creating a cross-sector dialogue on the strategic role of the sea for the future of the Mediterranean and, in particular, Southern Italy.
Youth and new skills at the center
The day opened with One Ocean Summit Young, hosted at the Teatro Apollo and moderated by actor Leonardo Venturi. The event involved high school students, emphasizing that the sea is not only a fragile ecosystem to be protected, but also a complex economic system capable of generating new professional opportunities.
Among the institutional contributions, One Ocean Foundation President Riccardo Bonadeo and Prefect Natalino Manno highlighted the strategic value of the Blue Economy. Deputy Rector Salvatore Rizzello reaffirmed the role of universities in training future skills, while biologist Stefano Piraino illustrated emerging opportunities linked to marine resources.
Climatologist Gianandrea Mannarini (CMCC) presented concrete data on the effects of climate change in the Salento area, while Manlio De Silvio (SDA Bocconi School of Management) framed the Blue Economy as one of the most relevant global trends.
There was also space for inspirational and entrepreneurial testimonies: Paralympic athlete Daniele Cassioli shared a story of resilience, while the experiences of Salvatore Modeo (The Qube) and Carlotta Santolini (Blueat) showed how innovation and sustainability can transform environmental challenges into business opportunities. Closing the session, biologist Francesca Santacesaria highlighted the importance of protecting biodiversity as both an environmental and economic asset.
Businesses, institutions and research for Southern Italy’s growth
In the afternoon, the Blue Economy Summit shifted the discussion to a more institutional and industrial level at the Ecotekne complex of the University of Salento. Moderated by journalist Maristella Massari, the meeting included representatives from institutions and companies, including Intesa Sanpaolo and Allianz Italia.
In her opening remarks, Elisa Zambito Marsala emphasized that the Blue Economy represents a key growth driver for the country, provided there is investment in skills, research and public-private partnerships. This was followed by a dialogue between Jan Pachner and Giacomo Campora on integrating sustainability into corporate strategies.
The scientific contribution of Ivan Federico provided an updated overview of the state of coastal ecosystems, while Luigi Musco presented the National Biodiversity Future Center.
The roundtable brought together representatives from the business and institutional worlds to discuss the development of Southern Italy, including Alessandro Panaro, General Armando Franza and Captain Pierpaolo Pallotti.
A specific focus was also dedicated to maritime state concessions, with Antonio Pasca addressing the delicate balance between regulation, competition and sustainable development.
The Mediterranean as a laboratory for the future
The day confirmed Lecce as a strategic crossroads in One Ocean Foundation’s journey: a symbolic Mediterranean territory emerging as a laboratory for ideas, scientific data and concrete projects.
A clear message emerges from Salento: the sea is not only an environmental priority, but also a true industrial policy and a driver of employment. A challenge that concerns new generations, in which Southern Italy can play a leading role.
