The European Union funds numerous highly innovative projects that work to preserve our blue planet. Under the Horizon EuropeSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• research and innovation framework, the European Commission has formulated the Mission Restore our Ocean and WaterSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN•••s. It helps to implement, among others, the goals of the European Green DealSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN•••.

The Mission aims to prevent and eliminate pollution of our ocean, seas, and waters. It strives to make the blue economy climate-neutral and circular with net-zero maritime emissions. In addition, it seeks to protect 30% of the EU’s sea area and restore marine-eco systems. The EU-funded project AMBER helped to identify 25,000 km of free-flowing rivers which will also be preserved under the Mission Restore our Oceans and Waters.

Researchers and policy-makers are joining forces to protect our ocean and waters. The European Research Executive AgencySearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• (REA) funds many different programmes that feed into the EU Mission. On 7 June, it hosted the MSCA Cluster event on the Mission Restore our Ocean and WatersSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN•••. The event gathered researchers from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie ActionsSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• (MSCA), European Commission policy-makers and experts. MSCA is the EU’s flagship programme for doctoral and post-doctoral training. The event’s objective was to exchange expertise among researchers and relevant stakeholders from the EU institutions and beyond. The goal is clear: only if we work together, across disciplines, professions and countries, will we be able to preserve and restore our ocean and waters effectively.