Strict protection, restoration and co-management of Marine Protected Areas

About the project
Blue Connect EU funded project


Our Focus

Science-Based Conservation Objectives

We will develop a holistic framework to support the definition of nature conservation objectives for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and blue corridors in the EU and beyond, from an ecosystem functioning point of view.

Co-definition of conservation measures

We will also develop and validate a governance toolbox, uniting stakeholders and citizens, to co-define science-based conservation measures that contribute to the restoration and protection of marine ecosystems and support a shift towards strictly protected areas.

Showcasing of effective co-ownership and co- management

We will bring together stakeholders and citizens for co-developing tools and frameworks for conservation planning and management, and capitalise on the existing conservation initiatives in the Demo sites.

Ensuring effective conservation

We will set up a system for MPA monitoring and evaluation of conservation outcomes, test and benchmark innovative monitoring techniques, and validate monitoring and evaluation system to assess ecological effectiveness, evaluating the conservation effectiveness with a replication potential.

Blueprint development and upscaling strategy

Our main output will be a scalable and transferrable Blueprint for marine conservation management and planning, providing clear and tested guidance on innovative, efficient and cost-effective tools and methods for marine conservation and management.

Contributing to Mission Ocean

The EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” aims to protect and restore the health of our ocean and waters through research and innovation, citizen engagement and blue investments. Blue Connect as part of the European Blue Parks projects will help protect and restore marine habitats.

Blue Connect Demo Sites

Together with Marine Protected Area (MPA) managers, authorities, industries, and local communities from 12 demonstration sites and beyond, BLUE CONNECT is co-developing, promoting, and demonstrating a systematic approach to marine conservation planning and management.

Discover our demo sites

Latest News

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Formentera Hosts the IV Marine Stewardship Board
Formentera hosted the IV Marine Stewardship Board on December 9, 2025, an event that consolidates the...
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BC at the 5th EU Blue Parks workshop
The fifth EU Blue Parks Community workshop ‘Achieving Mission Ocean and Waters Protection Targets: Showcasing...
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BLUE CONNECT joins the #30DayMapChallenge with a Black Sea story
As part of this year’s #30DayMapChallenge, BLUE CONNECT has put Burgas Bay and its wildlife under the...
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Blue Connect - Macaronesia Demo Site Coordinator at COP30 in Brazil 
Débora Gutierrez, researcher of our partner University of the Azores (UAc) and coordinator of the Macaronesia...
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BBF’s BLUE CONNECT Team Delivers Lecture on Seagrasses During Research Voyage to St. Anastasia Island
On the occasion of International Black Sea Day, a special research voyage took place aboard the catamaran...
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BBF’s BLUE CONNECT Team Opens the “My Black Sea” Exhibition within the Initiative “The Sea and the Children”
On the occasion of International Black Sea Day – October 31, the community center “Izgrev 1909” in Burgas...
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Upcoming Events

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Workshop | Nature credits in the EU's coastal and marine ecosystems
On Friday, 30 January 2026 (09:00–12:15 CET), the European Commission is hosting an online workshop on...
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Blue Connect at Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland Annual Science Meeting
Dr Emily Hague and Dr Rachel Shucksmith from the Scottish MPA Demo Site are presenting an e-poster on...
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From Policy to Practice: Regional and Local Impacts of EU Missions and HE Clusters - Workshop
The workshop on “From Policy to Practice: Regional and Local Impacts of EU Missions and HE Clusters”...
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5th EU Blue Parks Community Workshop: ‘Achieving Mission Ocean and Waters Protection Targets: Showcasing the EU Blue Parks Projects’
Join us online for the fifth EU Blue Parks Community Workshop on 19 November 2025 where Blue Connect...
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Mapping for the Future: Interactive Design of MPA Corridors
Join us for our interactive workshop aiming to bring together a wide spectrum of UN Ocean Conference...

Partners

Read more about the partners

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