Business

Smart Cadastres: Digital Governance and AI for Transparent Land Management in the Middle East and North Africa

Land governance in the Middle East and North Africa is burdened by paper records, overlapping claims, and corruption. Emerging digital tools—AI mapping, satellite imagery, blockchain, and big data analytics—offer a pathway toward transparent, citizen-centered “smart cadastres.” These systems can reduce disputes, unlock credit markets, support reconstruction and climate resilience, and curb corruption. But technology alone is not enough: legal reforms, institutional cooperation, capacity building, and public trust are critical for success. Smart cadastres represent not just digitization, but a shift toward transparent, secure, and citizen-focused governance.

Coastal Tourism Emerges as Dominant Force in EU Blue Economy

Coastal tourism has established itself as the undisputed leader of the European Unions Blue Economy, accounting for 32.7% of the sectors total economic value while employing over half of all maritime workers. The latest EU Blue Economy Report 2025 reveals that Spain leads employment with 26% of coastal tourism jobs, followed by Greece at 18%, underlining the Mediterranean's crucial role in Europes maritime economy. With 1.4 billion nights spent at coastal accommodations in 2023 and €82 billion in economic value generated, the sector demonstrates remarkable resilience and growth potential despite facing climate challenges that could impact vulnerable destinations by up to 9% in coming decades.

From Shipyards to Startups: The Tech Revolution Quietly Transforming Adriatic Port Cities

For a century, the defining sound of cities like Bar or Rijeka was the metallic clang of shipyard and port cranes against the Mediterranean sky. Today, a new sound is joining that industrial symphony: the rapid-fire clicking of keyboards from bustling co-working spaces overlooking the sea. The Adriatic coast, long celebrated for its ancient Roman ruins and crystal-clear waters, is beginning to write a new digital chapter.