On Friday, 3 July 2026, participants of the International Summer School “Sustainable Development of the Yachting and Cruise Industry” visited Aquarium Boka, located within the Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro.
Organised within the Interreg IPA South Adriatic project “High LEVEL and market-respondent competences for a blue and digitalized ‘Smart and skilled South Adriatic’ - SKILLS”, the visit provided participants with an opportunity to connect the Summer School’s themes of maritime tourism, sustainability and Blue Economy development with marine biodiversity protection and public education.
Aquarium Boka is the only public aquarium in Montenegro. Its mission is to build public knowledge and encourage action for the protection of the species and habitats of the Adriatic Sea. Through education, awareness raising and conservation activities, the Aquarium actively contributes to different conservation solutions and serves as a role model for responsible interaction with the marine environment.
Participants had the opportunity to explore the Aquarium’s 20 tanks, divided into four exhibition units: the World Sea and Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic Sea and South Adriatic, Boka Bay, and tropical seas.
The visit highlighted the importance of understanding marine ecosystems as a foundation for sustainable coastal and maritime tourism. Participants learned how public aquariums can support environmental education, promote awareness of marine biodiversity, and strengthen the link between science, tourism and local communities.
Special attention was given to the unique value of Boka Bay as a sensitive marine and coastal environment. The visit encouraged participants to reflect on how tourism, yachting and cruise activities can be developed in a way that respects natural habitats, protects marine species and supports long-term environmental sustainability.
Through this activity, the SKILLS project continued to promote practical, cross-border learning and to support the development of new competencies for a smarter, greener and more sustainable South Adriatic Blue Economy.