On the 29^th March 2023, the Three Cultures foundation organised the ceremony of the first edition of the Mediterranean awards in its headquarter, the stunning Moroccan pavilion of the Universal exhibition of Seville of 1992.

 

The Mediterranean awards was launched in 2022 by the Three Cultures foundation, established in Seville since 1999 to promote principles of peace, dialogue and tolerance in the Mediterranean region.  Through this foundation, the region of Andalusia (Junta de Andalucía) together with the Inter-Mediterranean Commission of the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions (CPMR) came up with this great initiative of recognising the efforts of organisations and people who work hard to make the Mediterranean region a better place. The first edition of these awards is divided into two categories. The first one is related to identity, solidarity, digital, green and women awards. While the second one is for the Mediterranean person of the year.

Out of the 6 prizes within the first category, 2 were awarded to projects funded by the ENI CBC MED programme. The digital prize is given to the American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanon for MED GAIMS project for its contribution to improve competitiveness in the tourism sector through the use of digital technologies while involving several partners from the Mediterranean region.  

The green prize is dedicated to the An-Najah University, Palestine for their projects in renewable energy, Med-EcoSure being one of them. The jury recognise the work of the university in reducing the environmental impact in the Mediterranean, and in improving the living conditions of communities in need of support.

The MED GAIMS Project is awarding in itself because of several reasons. First, it was fun to develop games and gamified experiences in the field of cultural heritage which is a field that is close to my heart. Second, it was satisfying to observe a demonstration of our hypothesis that gamification is a promising alternative to traditional tourism. Third, MED GAIMS highlighted the potential that gamification has in creating a new job sector that can help grow the tourism market. The award we are receiving in Seville is the icing on the cake, with a much wider community now acknowledging the worth of our project and the value of our results.

Daniel Asmar, American University of Beirut, Lebanon

The Mediterranean Awards in its first edition is an important chance for dissemination for our university, and sure we will gain considerable exposure throughout the Mediterranean basin. Also, this award will encourage us to move forward with work in reducing the environmental impact in the Mediterranean and also continue contributing to improving the living conditions of communities in need of support.

Imad Brik, An-Najah National University, Palestine

At ENI CBC MED programme, we would like to congratulate both universities for the great work they do to implement solutions of a more sustainable Mediterranean whether though digital innovation or by fostering the use of renewable energy. Alf Mabrouk!