BLUE CONNECT
Strict protection, restoration and co-management of Marine Protected Areas to ensure effective ecosystem conservation and improved connectivity of Blue Corridors
Background
BLUE CONNECT responds to the urgent need to protect and restore marine habitats and ecosystems while achieving EU and global protection and restoration targets by 2030.
The project overcomes gaps in effective implementation of EU and global legislation by mobilising MPA managers, authorities, industries, and local communities to co-develop and demonstrate a systematic approach to marine conservation planning and management.
Objectives
The overall objective of the BLUE CONNECT project is to directly support achievement of marine conservation and restoration targets within the EU and beyond, by advancing the implementation of the European Green Deal and its EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the European Restoration Law, and the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework of the Convention for Biological Diversity. It will also ensure the implementation of the EU Mission’s “Restore our Ocean and Waters.”
A key outcome of BLUE CONNECT is the development of a Blueprint, providing a stepwise approach to set science-based conservation objectives, co-define conservation actions for effective MPA management, and for ensuring conservation effectiveness.
Approach
The inclusive approach to marine conservation management is enabled by establishing a holistic modelling framework that integrates elements key to effective marine conservation, including biodiversity, ecological functioning, ecosystem services, and connectivity, alongside drivers of climate change. It will also incorporate social, economic, and cultural insights.
The project will aid in designating new MPAs or expanding existing ones, enable transition to strict protection, restore ecosystems, and improve ecological connectivity. BLUE CONNECT operates at 12 diverse demonstration sites across the Atlantic, North Sea, Black Sea, and Mediterranean, representing a mix of nationally designated MPAs and Natura 2000 sites, supporting the replicability and broad applicability of the tools and frameworks set out in the Blueprint.
Project partners
Coordinated by the SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth, the project consortium is made up of 25 partners:
- SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)
- Institut Royal Des Sciences Naturelles De Belgique
- Universiteit Gent
- Jan De Nul Nv
- Service Public Federal Sante Publique, Securite De La Chaine Alimentaire Et Environnement
- Centyr Za Bregovi I Morski Izsledvaniya
- Balgarska Fondatsiya Bioraznoobrazie
- Fundacao Maio Biodiversidade
- WWF Adria – Association for the protection of nature and conservation of biological diversity
- Tartu Ulikool
- The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM)
- WWF Italia
- Fondazione WWF Mediterranean
- Stichting Deltares
- Salt Research As
- Norsk Institutt For Vannforskning
- Universidade Dos Acores
- Fundacao Gaspar Frutuoso
- Institutul National De Cercetare- Dezvoltare Marina Grigore Antipa
- Universidad De Malaga
- WWF Spain- Asociacion Para La Defensa De La Es Naturaleza
- SUBMON
- Ministerio Para La Transicion Ecologica Y El Reto Demografico
- University Of The Highlands And Islands
HELCOM contributes to all seven work packages and supports broader geographical impact of the project by linkage to the Baltic Sea region, as well as by cultivating synergetic collaboration with sister project, PROTECT BALTIC.
Funding
This project is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.
Project duration
The project will run from September 2024 to March 2028.
Resources
Contacts
Lena Avellan
Professional Secretary
lena.avellan(at)helcom.fi
Jasmina Uusitalo
Project Coordinator
BLUE CONNECT
jasmina.uusitalo (at) helcom.fi
Petra Kääriä
Associate Professional Secretary
petra.kaaria (at) helcom.fi
