The inter-pillar session under Pillar 3 reaffirmed that addressing environmental challenges in the Adriatic–Ionian region requires integrated cooperation across borders and sectors, reflecting the fact that ecosystems extend beyond administrative and political boundaries. Discussions strongly highlighted the importance of adopting a coherent “source-to-sea” governance framework that connects upstream river basin management with downstream marine spatial planning.
Contributions presented during the panel underscored the value of coordinated water management systems and mechanisms for transnational cooperation. Experiences shared by the International Sava River Basin Commission demonstrated how well-structured institutional collaboration, sustained coordination efforts, and common operational instruments can facilitate effective governance across an entire river basin, strengthen climate resilience, and provide a valuable model for broader macroregional cooperation.
Participants also emphasised that improving river basin management in upstream areas is a prerequisite for achieving meaningful marine conservation results downstream. Perspectives on water management and planning illustrated a growing understanding that the alignment of freshwater, coastal, and marine planning processes is essential for safeguarding ecosystem services and supporting sustainable development within interconnected environmental systems.
A central topic emerging from the session was the need for inclusive and participatory governance approaches, particularly within marine spatial planning processes. Experiences shared by organisations such as WWF Italy demonstrated that the active involvement of sectoral stakeholders—including fisheries representatives, tourism operators, civil society organisations, and local communities—is crucial for ensuring that conservation measures are practical, accepted, and effective. The discussion highlighted the importance of moving beyond traditional consultation processes and towards the co-creation of solutions that encourage stakeholder ownership and long-term engagement.
Panellists agreed that ecosystem-based marine spatial planning (MSP) is fundamental for balancing environmental protection objectives with socio-economic activities. MSP was recognised as a critical instrument for managing competing uses of marine space—including tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, energy production, and transport—while reducing spatial conflicts and enhancing coordination between terrestrial and marine planning, particularly in coastal zones. At the same time, participants noted the ongoing need for improved integration of both environmental and socio-economic data to support transparent, informed, and equitable decision-making.
Another key aspect discussed during the session concerned the role of sustainable tourism and nature-based solutions. Representatives from the tourism sector noted that businesses are increasingly acknowledging the benefits of investing in nature-based approaches that improve ecosystem health and strengthen climate resilience. Although such investments may require initial financial commitments, their long-term advantages—including enhanced destination attractiveness, reduced risks, and sustained economic benefits—make them essential elements of a sustainable blue economy.
The session also examined how broader governance frameworks can contribute to the effective management of Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs). Particular emphasis was placed on improving alignment between European Union policy frameworks and Regional Seas programmes, which can provide stronger guidance and support for the development of coherent governance approaches in the Adriatic–Ionian region. Greater alignment can improve policy consistency, facilitate implementation, and ensure that biodiversity conservation efforts remain both practical and sustainable over time.
Looking to the future, the Southern Adriatic–Ionian Strait EBSA (SAIS-EBSA) was identified as a promising pilot area for advancing integrated governance models. Participants highlighted its potential to demonstrate how cross-border cooperation, inter-pillar coordination, and enhanced planning instruments can support the achievement of EU biodiversity and sustainability objectives, including the targets set for 2030. At the same time, the discussion acknowledged continuing challenges related to governance coordination, stakeholder participation, and access to reliable socio-economic information.
In conclusion, the session reaffirmed the important role of Pillar 3 in fostering policy coherence, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainable environmental management throughout the Adriatic–Ionian region. Advancing source-to-sea governance approaches, strengthening stakeholder-led decision-making, integrating nature-based solutions across sectors, and enhancing data-informed planning were identified as key priorities for securing a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for the macroregion.
In addition, the session stressed that reinforcing interregional cooperation through a comprehensive “Source to Sea” framework linking the Danube and Black Sea regions with the Mediterranean is essential for improving the resilience of river basins and coastal zones, while contributing to the overall health of the broader marine ecosystem. Particular attention was given to the opportunity for enhancing cooperation and policy coherence through stronger connections among existing regional frameworks and conventions, including the Alpine Convention, the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), the Black Sea Commission (BSC), and the Barcelona Convention/UNEP-MAP. The discussion also highlighted the considerable potential for generating synergies among the EUSDR, EUSAIR, and EUSALP macroregional strategies, thereby supporting more coordinated and integrated management of freshwater, coastal, and marine environments across the wider region.
As a practical example of successful transboundary cooperation, participants once again referred to the accomplishments of the International Sava River Basin Commission (ISRBC). These achievements demonstrate how institutionalised cooperation among countries sharing an international river basin can substantially enhance resilience, improve risk management, and strengthen coordinated governance. Particular recognition was given to the Sava Flood Warning System, which was presented as an effective operational model for joint data exchange, flood forecasting, and early warning collaboration.
The discussion further emphasised that improving cooperation among Adriatic countries requires the prompt reactivation of the Commission for the Protection of the Adriatic Sea and Coastal Areas, together with its permanent expert working groups focused on monitoring, contingency planning, and ICZM/MSP. Strengthening these institutional coordination structures would considerably increase the region’s ability to address transboundary environmental challenges and to implement ecosystem-based management approaches more effectively across the Adriatic–Ionian area.
Building on the political momentum generated through key processes and reference frameworks—including the UNOC-3 Ministerial Declaration MED 50, decisions adopted at COP24 of the Barcelona Convention, UNEA-7, and the 28th Ordinary Meeting of the ICPDR—the session identified a significant opportunity for countries in the region to jointly develop an ambitious interregional Danube–Black Sea–Mediterranean initiative under the new GEF MED Programme. Such a project could serve as an important operational platform for strengthening ecosystem resilience, advancing integrated “Source to Sea” governance, and improving coordination among policies, financing mechanisms, and implementation instruments throughout the interconnected macroregional system.
