The ocean is a source of life for human beings. It gives us food, oxygen and energy. It is home to many species and acts as climate regulator. Understanding how we influence the ocean and how the ocean influences us is at the core of ocean literacy. This understanding allows us to make responsible choices to protect our ocean better and to use the opportunities it offers in a sustainable manner. Thereby, it as also contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people, as envisioned in the European Green Deal.
The European Ocean Coalition (EU4Ocean) connects diverse organisations, projects and people that contribute to ocean literacy and the sustainable management of the ocean. Supported by the European Commission, this bottom-up inclusive initiative aims at uniting the voices of Europeans to make the ocean a concern of everyone!
It combines EU-wide activities with actions dedicated to the Arctic Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean (including the North Sea), the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the global ocean.
The coalition consists of three components:
- EU4Ocean Platform, platform for organisations and individuals engaged in Ocean Literacy initiatives
- Youth4Ocean Forum, European Youth Forum for the Ocean
- Network of European Blue Schools
Other initiatives by DG MARE also contribute to ocean literacy such as:
- The European Atlas of the Seas which is an easy and fun way for professionals, students and anyone interested to learn more about Europe's seas and coasts, their environment, related human activities and European policies. It aims to raise long-term awareness of Europe's oceans and seas, in the context of the EU's integrated maritime policy.
- A European event to engage youth in developing ideas for the sustainable use of the marine environment and resources while minimizing the negative impacts of human activities, is the Hack4Oceans. This 2-day Youth Innovation Event will give young participants across Europe the possibility to learn, explore and co-create opportunities for prosperity through ocean conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The event will bring together undergraduate students and professional stakeholders coming from the private sector, policy-making and academia.
Hack4oceans participants will develop ideas and solutions to several important and urgent challenges related to:
- Marine Litter;
- Alternative food from the ocean;
- Ocean and Climate Change;
- Protecting and Restoring Coastal Ecosystems.
Postponed due to Covid19, the Hack4oceans will take place in Brussels (BE) on 21 and 22 April 2021.
More information
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‘Plogging week and litter art‘ October 31st – November 5th |
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October 31st – Black Sea Action Day - Plogging in Constanta The main plogging event (and the start of the plogging week in the Black Sea) will take place on the 31st of October (in Constanta) and will be organized by Creative+ in partnership with Mare Nostrum. With some race, prizes, and different actions to protect the environment and the Black Sea. |
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Join the Ocean Literacy Festival in the Black Sea The EU4Ocean Coalition is setting up a new round of engaging ocean literacy events. From ‘plogging’ at the Black Sea Action Day, beach art and litter art, TikTok festival, and more ocean literacy activities. There is no limit to your imagination, discover with us what different Black Sea actors are proposing to make the Black Sea Blue! Start date: 31/10/2021 (All day) Last update: 12/10/21 |
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Let’s make the Black Sea Blue Focusing on marine litter, the Black Sea basin event of the EU4Ocean Coalition will give space to fruitful interactions between young people, teachers, policy-makers and government representatives, NGOs and all kinds of relevant stakeholders. Join us in creating the Blue Black Sea! Start date: 29/10/2021 (All day) Last update: 12/10/21 |
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Call for Young Ocean Advocates for the Black Sea This new call for project proposals of the Youth4Ocean Forum is designed to promote the ideas and projects of young changemakers in the Black Sea basin region. |
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When words are not enough, turn to music Listen to the Arctic Ocean through the words of Lera Auerbach and the the power of art, music, and storytelling. |
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The more you look, the more you see How can we spot a whale from space and the multitude of challenges facing Arctic wildlife today? Listen to Dr Hannah Cubaynes and Dr Kim Goetz talking about their encounters! |
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Every person matters and every action counts The 2nd podcast promoted by members of the EU4Ocean Coalition is now online! Dr Gosia Smieszek talks about gender equality ad representation. Let's listed to her together. |
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Anchored to the evidence: boarding on the Polar Research Vessel, “Polarstern” Listen to the 1st podcast released by members of the EU4Ocean Coalition, and explore the Arctic through the words of Thomas Wunderlich and Felix Lauber. |
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Youth4Ocean Forum at the COP26 of the UNFCCC Join us in the Blue Zone in Glasgow and in the Virtual Ocean Pavilion! |
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