The cross-border project (Greece–Albania) BLUECOAST focused on the conservation/restoration of critical marine habitats of the sea turtle Caretta caretta in the Ionian Sea, aiming to mitigate key threats and pressures.

The project included vulnerability and risk assessments for Caretta caretta habitats from anthropogenic pressures and climate change, long-term monitoring structures, and the implementation of climate-smart conservation actions.

A cross-border observatory for sea turtles was established to support data exchange, knowledge sharing, and decision-making.

The project also sought to involve coastal area users and local communities in sea turtle protection, and to develop a blue governance action plan considering sandy beach vulnerability to sea level rise.