Restore4Life is proud to be part of the ambitious EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters,” an initiative aimed at restoring and protecting the health of Europe’s marine and freshwater ecosystems. With a 2030 target, the Mission is an integral component of the EU’s efforts to combat climate change, restore nature, and drive sustainability through innovative research, citizen involvement, and strategic investments in the blue economy.
The EU Mission’s Objectives
The EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” seeks to address marine and freshwater bodies holistically, recognizing their interconnectedness. By fostering regional collaboration and innovation, the Mission aims to play a crucial role in achieving climate neutrality and safeguarding biodiversity.
At the core of the Mission are three overarching objectives that guide its efforts:
Protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030;
Prevent and eliminate pollution of our ocean, seas and waters, in line with the EU Action Plan Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil;
Make the sustainable blue economy carbon-neutral and circular, in line with the proposed European Climate Law and the holistic vision enshrined in the Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy.
Regional “Lighthouses” Paving the Way
To achieve its objectives, the Mission has established area-based “lighthouses” in key European sea and river basins, serving as hubs for innovation and collaboration. These lighthouses are located in the:
- Atlantic-Arctic;
- Mediterranean Sea;
- Baltic-North Sea;
- Danube-Black Sea.
Restore4Life operates within the Danube-Black Sea lighthouse, playing a vital role in piloting, demonstrating, and scaling solutions across Europe’s marine and freshwater ecosystems. These lighthouses are at the forefront of implementing Mission activities, fostering cooperation, and sharing best practices across the EU.
Enablers of the Mission’s Success
In addition to the regional lighthouses, the EU Mission is supported by two critical enablers:
Digital Ocean and Water Knowledge System – A comprehensive data platform designed to improve our understanding of marine and freshwater environments, guiding decision-making and policy development.
Public mobilisation and engagement – Empowering citizens, communities, and stakeholders to actively participate in ocean conservation and sustainable practices, recognizing the essential role of public involvement in driving change.
The Mission Charter
A key tool is the Mission Charter, which serves as the main resource for showcasing actions that contribute to the Mission’s objectives and for quantifying the Mission’s impact and success. The European Commission is calling on a wide range of stakeholders to join forces in achieving the Mission’s 2030 goals. Public and private organizations, local and regional authorities (including cities and ports), philanthropists, investors, enterprises, civil society groups, and academia are all encouraged to commit to the Mission Charter.
Join the Mission Charter
By submitting concrete actions and initiatives, stakeholders can contribute to the shared vision of restoring Europe’s ocean and waters. This collaborative approach ensures that the Mission’s ambitious goals can be realized, leading to healthier ecosystems, cleaner waters, and a more sustainable blue economy.
Restore4Life is proud to be part of this vital mission and is committed to working towards a future where our ocean and waters are protected and restored for generations to come. Join us in this effort to make a lasting impact on our planet’s most precious resources.
