Dr. Angelos Menelaou
Dr. Michalis Makrominas
The Management Committee meeting of the COST Action, Port City Territories in Action: A Collaborative Laboratory for Inclusive Energy Transition (PACT) took place on the 16th of May, 2025, at Frederick University’s Limassol Campus, in conjunction with the 5th Blue Limassol Forum co-organized annually by Frederick University and the Limassol Municipality, to address key challenges and opportunities in the transition to Blue Economy and Coastal Sustainability.
The focus of the COST meeting was to learn from Limassol as a pilot case study for integrated port city governance and citizen engagement. Michalis Makrominas, Assistant Professor at Frederick University’s Department of Maritime Transport and Commerce, presented the results of the second large citizen survey comprising more than 800 participants. The study aimed to understand public sentiment and environmental considerations of the Limassol Citizens. Participants of the meeting discussed the results and identified opportunities for collaboration on current and future projects to strengthen the PACT network. The meeting reinforced partnerships and refined action plans to support inclusive and sustainable port-city transitions.
The 5th Blue Limassol Forum examined the ongoing Limassol coastal transformation, focusing on the need for an inclusive approach. Leveraging Limassol’s position as a major coastal city on the Mediterranean Sea and one of the Southeast Mediterranean’s leading commercial and shipping centers, the Forum brought together over 300 stakeholders and citizens. Emphasis was placed on long-term sustainability, active citizen involvement, and the integration of environmental and economic objectives. A core challenge raised was how coastal cities like Limassol can balance urban development with environmental protection—ensuring growth benefits for all citizens. The Forum highlighted the necessity of involving communities early in planning processes to ensure that the future development would reflect their needs and aspirations.
Key Insights from Presenters and Panelists
Radu Vacareanu, Chair of the Governing Board of EU-CONEXUS – European University for Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability, emphasized the value of transdisciplinary collaboration, systems thinking, and shared academic frameworks across borders. His presentation aligned closely with EU-CONEXUS’s mission to promote sustainability in coastal cities through integrated education, research, and civic engagement. His insights underscored the need for joint curricula and citizen-centered approaches to innovation.
Carola Hein, Action Chair of PACT and UNESCO Chair for Water, Ports and Historic Cities, advocated for inclusive and participatory urban and port planning. She underlined that ports must evolve beyond logistical hubs into integrated elements of urban life, so they can contribute to the well-being of surrounding communities. Her emphasis on collaborative governance supports the long-term resilience of port cities and strengthens the foundation for inclusive energy transitions.
Vittorio Torbianelli, Special Commissioner of the Port Network Authority of the Eastern Adriatic Sea, addressed the strategic importance of dry ports and hinterlands. He introduced the concept of ‘Port Renewable Energy Communities’, proposing that ports and their adjacent areas can become hubs of clean energy production. This model presents a promising path toward achieving both climate and infrastructure goals through regional collaboration.
Andreas Constantinides and Dan Feldman introduced the EMMERA platform, an electronic platform for data integration and drone surveillance, adopted as of 1/1/2026 by the Shipping Deputy Ministry as Cyprus’s national system for tracking marine pollution data, to monitor key performance indicators and conduct risk assessments. The duo also hailed the Blue Limassol Forum as the catalyst for collaboration across academia, industry, and government, producing research tools like EMMERA that strengthen environmental governance and public health outcomes.
Angelos Menelaou, Head of the Department of Maritime Transport and Commerce at Frederick University, presented the outcomes of the round table discussion, which revealed a strong consensus: port-city integration should not be limited to infrastructure, economic development, or environmental performance alone. In the scope of urban sustainability, it must instead place equal value on the quality of life and the well-being of citizens, by ensuring socially inclusive and human-centered urban growth.
One of the key outcomes of the Blue Limassol Forum was the shared understanding that Limassol’s transformation must begin with community engagement from the earliest planning stages. Early community engagement ensures that development reflects the values, priorities, and aspirations of its residents. The Forum showcased how research-driven initiatives had a direct impact on policy and society—underscoring the importance of evidence-based, participatory approaches to sustainable urban development.
As part of the Forum, PACT members also took part in a round table discussion that brought together academics, industry stakeholders, government representatives, and research institutions from Cyprus and abroad. The session focused on bridging the gap between Limassol’s port and urban fabric through inclusive development strategies. The discussion emphasized the need to go beyond economic and infrastructural concerns to also address social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. Participants explored ways to embed citizens into the development process, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping both urban and port spaces. Stronger collaboration between the port authority, municipal leadership, and the local community was identified as critical. The key outcome was a common consensus: true port-city integration must prioritize the well-being of citizens, including access to public spaces, a healthy environment, and meaningful participation in shaping the city's future. This people-centered approach is now set to guide future initiatives aiming to align maritime infrastructure with inclusive urban life in Limassol.
Acknowledgments
This blog post has been written in the context of discussions in the LDE PortCityFutures research community. It reflects the evolving thoughts of the authors and expresses the discussions between researchers on the socio-economic, spatial and cultural questions surrounding port city relationships. This blog was edited by the PortCityFutures editorial team: Nathan Döding and Eliane Schmid.
Special thanks also to Michalis Makrominas, Natalie Christophides, and Meropi Moiseos for their contributions to this text and images, and to Carola Hein for her valuable input and comments.
About COST Action
www.cost.eu
COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation.
This blog is based upon work from COST Action CA23138 – Port City Territories in Action: A Collaborative Laboratory for Inclusive Energy Transition (PACT), supported by COST.
