A significant milestone in integrating blue and circular economy principles to shape the future of tourism was achieved with the successful RECIRCLE MED Local Mobilisation Workshop and Western Balkans Forum, held on December 3-4, 2025, in Ohrid, North Macedonia.
Hosted by the Municipality of Ohrid, this two-day event brought together key representatives from public authorities and policy makers, academia and research institutions, businesses, tourism organizations, and other relevant entities from across the region.
Day 1. Local Mobilization Workshop
The first day focused on local engagement, laying the groundwork for adapting the RECIRCLE MED Blueprint and gathering insights that will guide the development of Ohrid’s Blue Action Plan for Circular Tourism.
Institutional Opening
Ms. Ana Krsteska, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Ohrid, Mr. Gjoko Apostolov, Head of Sector for Tourism and Local Economic Development of the Municipality, and the Dean of FTU Ohrid – Ms. Snezana Dicevska, welcomed all participants and highlighted the role and special characteristics of Ohrid, its tourism pressures, and the city’s vision for a sustainable future.
Introducing RECIRCLE MED
Ms. Dora Papatheochari from the University of Thessaly, Greece, RECIRCLE MED Lead Partner, welcomed the audience on behalf of all partners, and proceeded to the presentation of the project, its inspiration, concept, objectives and expected results.
Ms. Papatheohari underlined the tailored nature of project tools, and the importance of collaboration among the local community and policy actors, to integrate such tools into their policy and measures.
The Blueprint for Blue Action Plans for Circular Tourism
Following, Ms. Julia Bonello from the Energy and Water Agency (EWA), Malta, RECIRCLE MED project partner, presented the Blueprint for Blue Action Plans for Circular Tourism, developed by the project.
Ms. Bonello explained how the Blueprint can be adapted to the specific needs of each destination and highlighted its relevance for a place with Ohrid’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Interactive Session: Needs, Priorities & Perspectives
An interactive session moderated by Ms. Antonia Koutsopoulou, University of Thessaly, and Ms. Julia Bonello, EWA generated valuable discussions on the circular and blue economy concepts and the specific needs of the Ohrid area. Participants expressed strong confidence that the Blueprint can be successfully adapted to Ohrid.
The first day has been concluded by Mr. Spiros Pengas, CEO of WiSE Ram, speaking of Blue and Circular Tourism in Western Balkans: Opportunities, Challenges & The Path Forward, and Prof. Alexander Trajkov – Faculty for Tourism Ohrid, Blue and Circular Economy Practices in Tourism: Opportunities for Ohrid and the Western Balkans.
Key issues discussed included seasonality, traffic, energy, waste, the role of universities in policymaking, and strategic planning for circular and blue tourism.
The day closed with a shared understanding: the future of tourism in Ohrid must be designed—not to leave to chance—and built collectively to become sustainable, circular, blue, and resilient.
Day 2. Western Balkans Forum
The second day expanded the conversation to the wider Western Balkans region, focusing on regional cooperation, funding opportunities, and policy frameworks that can support blue and circular tourism.
Moderated by Mr. Andrea Vignoli, Municipality of Cefalù, RECIRCLEMED project partner, the day started with the presentation of main programmes and initiatives, to further discuss on exploring prospects for collaboration and funding. Panel speakers, Ms. Zuica Zmejkovska, MK NIPAC Office/Ministry for European Affairs, Mr. Aleksandar Kuzmanoski – Chamber of Commerce of North Macedonia, Mr. Spiros Pengas – Wise Ram, Greece, and Prof. Kliment Naumov FTU / President of Association of tourist guides “KEJ”, talked about the key initiatives, procedures, approaches, systems and prospects for joint initiatives and funding in the sector.
Moderated by Ms. Dora Papatheohari, University of Thessaly, the next panel addressed barriers and challenges in adopting blue and circular tourism practices. Panel speakers, Ms. Suzana Kasovska Georgieva, Western Balkans Circular Economy Hub, Mr. Stavros Kalognomos – Balkan & Black Sea Commission of the CPMR, Mr. Nebojsa Vraneš– Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and Mr. Kris Blazeski – Hotel Association of North Macedonia, discussed on the systemic gaps, institutional challenges, and collaborative approaches needed to overcome obstacles and support policy uptake.
Local Perspectives: Implementation & Policy Uptake
Last, Ms. Erato Malisianou from Living Prospects Ltd, RECIRCLE MED project partner, after underlining the importance of this interactive event and the collaboration as a key for the next step of the project, gave the floor to the representatives from the Hydrobological Institute Ohrid and FTU Ohrid – Ms. Orhideja Taseva and Mr. Saso Korunovski, who presented their perspectives on implementation pathways and policy uptake.
This day discussions emphasized the need for internal coordination among policymakers to transform tools into actionable solutions, scale projects, and unlock synergies. Insights emphasized the need for strong environmental monitoring, informed policymaking, and closer collaboration between research institutions and local authorities to ensure that the Blue Action Plan is both effective and aligned with the area’s real needs.
Key Outcomes
Over the two days, the workshop emphasized the importance of collaborative action to address key regional issues such as Seasonality, Environmental pressures, Waste management, Skills and human resource development, Governance structures, Funding and capacity building, Business model innovation.
Participants expressed their motivation and confidence that RECIRCLE MED tools can be applied not only in Ohrid but also in other destinations facing similar challenges. Reflecting a collective commitment to a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive tourism sector, stakeholders agreed on the need for ongoing collaboration, strategic planning, and shared responsibility.
Adapting the RECIRCLE MED Blueprint—based on all insights gathered—is the essential first step toward creating Blue Action Plans for Circular Tourism in Ohrid. These collaborative discussions and shared experiences can lead to tangible, impactful outcomes for the region and beyond.
Let’s shape the future of sustainable tourism together!
