The sea connects us in many ways. It is a place of life, work, sport, exploration and everyday encounters. Conference Ispod površine (Beneath the Surface): Conversations on the Future of Seas and Cities grew from this connection.
In Rijeka, as part of the collaboration between Back to Blu and Fiumanka, we brought together experts, researchers, athletes, architects and professionals from different fields. Our goal was to create a space where knowledge, experience and perspectives on the future of the sea, cities and coastal life could meet.
Conversations on the Future of Seas and Cities
The conference brought together experts from a wide range of fields.
Among them were world champion freediver and Guinness World Record holder Vitomir Maričić, world champion windsurfer Enrico Marotti, one of the world’s youngest underwater researchers Kristijan Gligora, Associate Professor Livia Maglić, marine biologist Milvana Arko Pijevac, landscape architect Bia Gec, architect Leo Modrčin, urban forestry, nature protection and environmental expert Nives Stošić, and designer Anja Zambelli Čolak.
Through presentations and panel discussions, participants explored marine ecosystem conservation, climate change, urban development, public space and quality of life along the coast. While the topics varied, one message remained clear. The future of our seas and the future of our cities cannot be viewed separately.
A Space for New Perspectives
The conference was not designed to provide ready-made solutions. Instead, it created a space for the exchange of knowledge, experiences and perspectives. Throughout the day, conversations highlighted how important it is to connect people from different fields when addressing the challenges that shape our shared future.
Many discussions continued far beyond the scheduled programme and allotted time. For us, this was perhaps the clearest sign that conversations about the future of our seas, cities and communities are only the beginning of a much broader dialogue. We are confident that Conference Ispod površine was one of its first steps.
