The Mission Charter calls for joining efforts to achieve the three objectives of the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030 to:

1. Protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030;
2. 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;
3. 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.

To reach these objectives the Mission is also putting in place two enablers:

• Digital Ocean and Water Knowledge System;
• Public mobilisation and engagement.

We want to establish a simple, inclusive and inspirational framework to enhance cooperation, align intents with other partners, mobilise resources and develop activities to deliver on the Mission objectives. This Charter is non-binding and open to any public or private interested parties.

COMMITMENT/CALL FOR MISSION ACTIONS

The European Commission is calling on a wide range of stakeholders, including public or private organisations, national/regional/local authorities (including cities and ports), philanthropists and investors, enterprises and businesses, civil society, research and academia to adhere to the Mission Charter by submitting actions for achieving the Mission objectives.

Any actions at European, transnational, national, regional/local level, promoted by public or private funds (including crowd funding), contributing to the Mission objectives are welcome!

Actions include Mission Ocean and Waters related policies, programmes, initiatives and projects to support:

1. Research and innovation;
2. Evidence-based knowledge and data and/or access provision to knowledge and data, in line with FAIR principles for the Mission Ocean and Waters Knowledge System;
3. Upscaling, deployment and replication of solutions;
4. Citizen engagement, citizens-science, youth-led initiatives, communities of practice, ocean and water literacy, outreach, awareness raising and participatory approaches;
5. Education and training.
   

WHAT IS IN IT FOR ME

By adhering to the Mission Charter, you send a clear signal on the importance to protect our ocean and waters and to take concrete actions. You will be involved in major Mission fora and events. In this way, we are multiplying the opportunities for networking, exchanges of experiences, collaboration and increasing visibility.

You will have access to services and tools the Mission Ocean and Waters will deploy through the European Digital Twin Ocean, the Mission Implementation Platform and other coordination actions at basin level. You will have also access to tools to empower citizens to take action for the restoration of the ocean and waters. The submitted actions will be monitored through the coordination actions. 

HOW TO JOIN THE MISSION CHARTER

You adhere to this Charter by submitting relevant actions through this dedicated online platform, which will remain open throughout the duration of this Mission.

Submitted actions will be assessed every month by the European Commission for their coherence with the Mission objectives and enablers in the first year, 2022. The frequency of assessment may be revised in 2023. All Mission Ocean and Waters actions will be made publicly available on the EC website.

Source: ec.europa