The European Commission announced the launch of 26 new projects, backed by a €126.9m investment, under the ambitious EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’.
This initiative is a critical part of the Horizon Europe programme, aiming to protect and rejuvenate the continent’s vital aquatic ecosystems by 2030.
The newly funded projects encompass 346 beneficiaries from 37 countries, including SMEs, research institutions, local authorities, and educational establishments.
The diverse array of participants underscores the collaborative spirit of the mission, uniting efforts from 26 EU Member States and nine Associated Countries.
These projects span a wide geographical range, from the Baltic and North Seas to the Danube River, Black Sea, Mediterranean, and the Atlantic.
Overview of the EU Mission: Restore Our Ocean and Waters
Established under the Horizon Europe programme for 2021-2027, EU Missions are designed to address some of society’s most pressing issues through innovative solutions and tangible results by 2030.
Launched in September 2021, the Restore our Ocean and Waters mission seeks to rejuvenate aquatic health through research, innovation, citizen engagement, and sustainable blue economy investments.
Recognising the interconnectedness of oceans and waters, the Restore our Ocean and Waters mission is pivotal for achieving climate neutrality and restoring natural ecosystems.
The mission promotes regional engagement via area-based ‘Lighthouses’ in major sea and river basins, including the Atlantic-Arctic, Mediterranean Sea, Baltic-North Sea, and Danube-Black Sea.
These Lighthouses serve as pilot sites to demonstrate and deploy mission activities, facilitating cooperation and regional impact.
Wide-ranging environmental benefits
The selected projects promise a host of environmental benefits, targeting various regions and challenges:
- Danube River: Sustainable sediment management.
- Atlantic and Arctic: Biodiversity protection and restoration.
- Mediterranean Sea: Combatting water and soil pollution.
- European Lakes: Restoration of natural ecosystems.
- Regional Landscapes: Increasing water retention capacity.
- Marine Protected Areas: Improved co-management and connectivity of Blue Corridors.
- Fishing Fleets: Enhanced energy efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Renewable Energy: Balancing offshore energy production with biodiversity protection.
Additionally, the projects will integrate socio-ecological models and inland waters data into the Digital Twin Ocean—an innovative digital replica used to simulate and predict environmental impacts.
Communication campaigns and applications promoting sustainable seafood consumption in the EU will also be developed alongside initiatives to engage citizens with the ocean through art and creative performances.
These initiatives are part of the broader Horizon Europe calls, aimed at supporting European communities that rely on healthy oceans and waters.
The goal is to foster resilience, achieve climate neutrality, and future-proof these communities against environmental challenges.
As these projects get underway, they represent a significant step towards achieving the mission’s goals by 2030.
The EU Commission’s substantial investment underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship, aiming to Restore our Ocean and Waters for a sustainable and resilient future.
