Blue Horizon Plaza: “Sustainability is not an option, but an obligation”

This week, the Palma International Boat Show will once again turn Palma’s Moll Vell into the main meeting point for the nautical world, bringing together thousands of professionals, companies, and enthusiasts in an event that marks the start of the season.

Within this framework, Blue Horizon Plaza will take place, a new space created and promoted by AENIB, ANEN, and Sea Teach with the aim of placing key issues for the future of the industry at the center of the debate, such as sustainability, the blue economy, innovation, and the training of new generations.

To present this initiative, Adela Esteva and Luca Jendrek from Sea Teach appeared on the program Passion for the Sea, where they explained the philosophy behind a project designed with a long-term vision within one of the Mediterranean’s major nautical fairs.

“We believed we needed to put sustainability in boating at the center,” explained Adela Esteva, emphasizing that the Palma International Boat Show was the ideal setting to foster these kinds of conversations.

Blue Horizon Plaza will run over four days within the exhibition grounds and will offer round tables, talks, and meetings focused on topics such as sustainability, innovation, marine education, responsible tourism, and the blue economy. “Each day features a series of speakers we consider relevant, people who have a voice and can share something interesting on these topics.”

Most importantly, this will not be a space reserved only for experts or professionals, but one open to anyone interested in the future of the sea and boating. “We want a diverse audience, there’s no need to be a nautical specialist. These are important topics that affect everyone,” emphasized Luca Jendrek.

Each session will also have a participatory format, allowing for questions, debate, and the exchange of ideas between speakers and attendees. Activities have also been organized to raise awareness among younger audiences.

The promoters of this initiative believe that the Balearic Islands, and Mallorca in particular, offer the perfect conditions to lead this type of project linked to the sea. “Mallorca is a key place to talk about sustainability, the blue economy, ocean literacy, and sustainable tourism,” they highlighted.

Another core focus of the project will be connecting with young people and promoting new career opportunities linked to the sea. Sea Teach representatives highlighted their experience in European projects related to sustainability and education, stressing the importance of guiding new generations toward the blue economy. “We want to show them that there are also professional opportunities connected to the sea and the blue economy.”

The international scope of the show will also help bring these discussions to visitors and professionals from different countries.

Although this will be its first edition, Blue Horizon Plaza is intended to become established and continue growing in future editions. “This year we are running a pilot to see how it goes. It’s the first seed for something that can grow into something bigger,” they said, adding that they do not rule out bringing this format to other national and international nautical events.

With Blue Horizon Plaza, AENIB, ANEN, and Sea Teach are promoting a new platform for reflection and exchange that strengthens the role of Palma and the Balearic Islands as leaders in the sustainable transformation of the nautical sector.