The first SUNBIO Workshop, titled “Sustainable Wave Energy Harvesting and Marine Habitat Restoration Integrated with Marine Robotic Systems,” was successfully concluded in a hybrid format at the premises of the project coordinator, the Institut de Ciències del Mar in Barcelona, on 18 November 2025.
The workshop explored the central themes of the SUNBIO Project, which aims to generate clean energy while ensuring a net positive impact on local biodiversity and habitat quality. Bringing together leading experts in marine science, renewable energy, and ecosystem restoration, the event highlighted the synergy between technological innovation and environmental sustainability.
A total of around 40 participants from 9 countries attended, both online and in person. The agenda featured 12 oral presentations from professionals and PhD students creating a productive environment for discussions on biodiversity monitoring, environmental protection, and ecosystem management.
The workshop covered several key topics, including:
– Platform Presentation: Introduction to the integrated platform designed to harvest wave and solar energy.
–Optimal Site Selection: Methodologies for identifying the most suitable deployment areas.
–Ecosystem Restoration: Approaches and best practices for restoring Posidonia oceanica habitats.
–Environmental Monitoring: Techniques to assess ecological impacts during platform deployment and restoration activities.
–Baseline Data Creation: Development of a robust ecological database to support long-term monitoring.
–Monitoring Technologies: Tools and methodologies used across similar initiatives for ecological assessment.
All sessions concluded with constructive and engaging discussions, while the breaks provided valuable opportunities for in-person participants to network, exchange views, and strengthen collaboration.
We look forward to seeing you at our next SUNBIO Workshop in 2026!
