BlueMissionMed Project: Pioneering Efforts to Restore the Mediterranean Sea Basin

BlueMissionMed is an EU-funded project dedicated to building a structured and effective innovation ecosystem across the Mediterranean Sea basin. At its core lies a clear mission: to support the EU Mission “Restore Our Oceans and Waters by 2030”, driving pollution reduction and ecosystem restoration through coordinated action. The project’s success depends on close collaboration among policymakers, businesses, researchers, and civil society, ensuring a comprehensive and far-reaching approach.

To strengthen local implementation, BlueMissionMed has established seven national and regional HUBs in Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Tunisia, and Turkey. These Territorial Multistakeholder Communities act as competence centres, addressing regional specificities such as language, culture, and specific needs, while fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and coordinated action. This decentralised network empowers stakeholders, nurtures long-term change for a cleaner Mediterranean Sea.

Participation in European Ocean Days

Reaffirming its commitment to marine and maritime initiatives, BlueMissionMed took actively part in the European Ocean Days in Brussels (3-7 March 2025). This week-long event featured sessions on youth engagement in restoration efforts, sustainable blue economy, fisheries science and Mission Oceans and Waters, providing a platform to showcase initiatives and engage with the wider community.

One of the highlights was a strong focus on ocean literacy for younger generations. During the “Young Voices for the Ocean” event and the Mission Forum exhibition, BlueMissionMed launched "Our Blue Treasure", an inspiring book for children, encouraging them to become stewards of the Mediterranean Sea and beyond.

In addition, BlueMissionMed also celebrated initiatives to protect and restore small and medium-sized basins with the launch of the “Blue Rivers and Lakes” Award, in collaboration with the European Commission. Recognising four outstanding initiatives, the award underscores the project’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices across all EU regions. The award ceremony took place on 6 March 2025, during the Mission Forum event “Towards a Water Resilience Strategy for the EU”.

Looking to the future

A key initiative is the upcoming BlueMissionMed Support Programme, designed to support businesses, policymakers, and civil society in adopt innovations in line with the EU Mission. Through tailored support provided by the regional HUBs and European-level online activities, the Programme will feature matchmaking webinars on bio-based innovation, pollution monitoring and waste management. Stay tuned on the BlueMissionMed’s website for opportunities to drive sustainable change and check the BlueMissionMed’s newly released newsletter. 

Through these multifaceted efforts, BlueMissionMed is paving the way for a holistic approach to environmental conservation, ensuring a resilient Mediterranean Sea for future generations.

For more information, please see the EU factsheet.