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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Blue Connect and Nature Restoration
Blue Conenct was presented in Bredene, Belgium by VLIZ, UGENT-ARC and JDN in the frame of a Nature Restoration...
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Macaronesia Ecological Corridor workshop
Blue Connect, in collaboration with Marine SABRES, organised a joint workshop titled "Macaronesia Ecological...
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Showcasing future restoration at L’Albera: BLUE CONNECT at the 2nd European Seagrass Restoration Workshop
From April 8th to 10th, SUBMON participated in the 2nd European Seagrass Restoration Workshop (ESRW2),...
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Blue Connect joined the MPA Community Platform!
Blue Conenct has joined the MPA Community Network, an umbrella initiative developed to centralise and...
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BLUE Connect at the RE:Bazaar event in Burgas on 5 and 6 April
The RE:Bazaar event gave us the opportunity to meet the Burgas public and present our various activities...
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An important marine highway in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea is a vital ecosystem teeming with marine life, and among its many important regions...
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Upcoming Events

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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...
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36th European Cetacean Society Conference
Join us for the Macaronesian Ecological Corridor #ECS2025 Workshop! Are you passionate about marine conservation...
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Introducing the MPA Card Game – First Play at European Ocean Days!
As part of the MPA Community Network, we are excited to announce the launch of the MPA Corridor Design...
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3rd EU Blue Parks Community workshop - ‘Strengthening the EU Blue Parks Community’
The third EU Blue Parks Community workshop ‘Strengthening the EU Blue Parks Community’ will be held online...
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Stakeholder Engagement in Innovative Marine Solutions: Marine Conservation Management, Financing and Beyond
Effective stakeholder engagement is essential for sustainable marine management and policy implementation....

Partners

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