The Mission Charter actions are accelerating the realisation of Mission objectives on biodiversity, pollution and carbon neutrality and circularity via innovative approaches. In this newsletter, we focus on actions on biodiversity. Via research and innovation, the necessary knowledge and techniques for protecting our ocean and waters is developed and diffused. For instance, one Mission Charter action, a scientific survey at Condor seamount MPA in the Azores, conducted by Azores Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, is a reference area for MPA stakeholders beyond the Azores by helping identify the effects of protection on biodiversity and communities.   

In other instances, upscaling research into the market helps change current practices to align with Mission objectives. The Mission Charter action scalable methodology for kelp forest regeneration, conducted by Pukka Travels International AS, uses harvesting – which is sometimes a threat to biodiversity - to promote kelp forest protection by harvesting an invasive species of sea urchins! They work with SMEs, researchers and sea food exporters to upscale this business model.    

While research and innovation are crucial to achieving Mission objectives, they must also be expanded across society.  This approach, combining research and innovation with governance and citizen engagement, is the uniqueness of the Missions! The French General Secretariat for the Sea (SGMer), via the Comités France Maritime et Océans, is contributing to such efforts by consulting stakeholders on the marine economy and environment in developing maritime policy. This high-level initiative, aligned with the Mission objectives, is necessary to ensure implementation of the Mission across the EU.  

Similarly, more bottom-up projects ensure the realisation of the Mission. One such project, Community-Driven Sustainable Business Models for Regenerative Ocean Farming (C-FAARER), funded under Mission Ocean and Waters, engages ocean farmers, particularly seaweed farmers, to accelerate regenerative aquaculture practices. They co-develop a roadmap and guidance with these farmers, as well as provide them with support.  

These actions help demonstrate the broad diversity of Mission Charter actions.  - Overall, there are 550 Mission Charter actions across all basins with a budget of EUR 4.8 billion. Join this critical mass of efforts and help achieve the Mission objectives by clicking here!