Author: Vesna Vukic

Panel I: Integration of Politics, Science and Community in Coastal Management
📍 Municipality of Tivat | May 7, 2026 | 09:00 AM

Following the successful realization of previous editions, the international scientific and professional conference “Boka Bay as a Sustainable Nautical Destination” expands in 2026 into a two-day program held in both Tivat and Kotor. The conference is jointly organized by Sailing Club Delfin, the Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor of the University of Montenegro, and the Institute of Marine Biology UCG, with the support of the municipalities of Tivat and Kotor.

Through dialogue between policy, science, and the community, the conference aims to open key discussions on coastal management, protection of the marine environment, and preservation of the cultural landscape of Boka Bay.

The importance of this initiative has also been recognized internationally, with The Ocean Race Europe highlighting the conference on its official website as part of its mission to protect the world’s oceans.

The conference is chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zorica Đurović, Vice Dean for Development and Communications at the Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor, while the organization of the Tivat session is led by Dr. Slavi Petović, Scientific Advisor at the Institute of Marine Biology.

The first day focuses on integrated coastal zone management models, particularly marine environmental protection and preservation of the coastal cultural landscape.

The international gathering will bring together representatives of relevant national institutions, scientific organizations, and regional experts. The opening lecture will present examples of best practices from Croatia, particularly coastal management in protected areas and balancing development and environmental interests, followed by an open discussion. This segment aims to strengthen cooperation between decision-makers, the scientific community, and local residents, with the goal of creating sustainable, knowledge-based solutions and responsible spatial management.

Panel II: UNESCO and the Future of Cruising in the Bay
📍 Slavjanska Reading Room, Dobrota, KOTOR | May 8, 2026 | 09:00 AM

Following the successful realization of previous editions, the international scientific and professional conference “Boka Bay as a Sustainable Nautical Destination” expands in 2026 into a two-day program held in both Tivat and Kotor. The conference is jointly organized by Sailing Club Delfin, the Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor of the University of Montenegro, and the Institute of Marine Biology UCG, with the support of the municipalities of Tivat and Kotor.

Through dialogue between policy, science, and the community, the conference aims to open key discussions on coastal management, protection of the marine environment, and preservation of the cultural landscape of Boka Bay.

The importance of this initiative has also been recognized internationally, with The Ocean Race Europe highlighting the conference on its official website as part of its mission to protect the world’s oceans.

The conference is chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zorica Đurović, Vice Dean for Development and Communications at the Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor, while the organization of the Tivat session is led by Dr. Slavi Petović, Scientific Advisor at the Institute of Marine Biology.

The Kotor segment of the conference focuses on sustainable regulation of cruise tourism within the context of UNESCO protection of Kotor and Boka Bay. The panel discussion will gather representatives of port authorities, government institutions, experts in maritime safety and protected area management, as well as international guests with experience in regulating navigation in protected zones.

The goal of the conference is to contribute, through open and well-argued dialogue, to defining future guidelines that simultaneously protect the outstanding universal value of the area while enabling responsible use of its development potential.