BBF is joining in European maritime project Blue connect

BBF is a partner in the European maritime project Horizon - Blue connect: strict protection, restored and compatible marine protected areas to ensure effective management of ecosystem protection and to improve the connectivity of the blue corridors.
The BLUE CONNECT project addresses the urgent need to protect and restore marine habitats and ecosystems and address gaps in the effective implementation of EU and global legislation by mobilizing Marine Protected Area (MPA) managers, authorities, industries and local communities , to jointly develop and demonstrate a systematic approach to marine conservation planning and management.

BLUE CONNECT will create a plan that will provide a step-by-step approach and tools to identify detailed and science-based conservation goals, support the design and implementation of the necessary conservation measures to achieve these goals, and provide a system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of conservation. This will be possible by creating a holistic modeling framework that integrates the richness of elements of biodiversity, ecological functioning, ecosystem services and connectivity with climate change drivers in the definition of MPAs and ecological corridors, and that further incorporates parameters based on social , economic and cultural feedback received from stakeholders and local communities. It will also integrate changes in weather related to climate change to ensure that the resulting conservation goals support the sustainability of ecosystems and services into the future.

The project will improve the understanding of the challenges, gaps and opportunities of co-governance at local, national and European level and propose solutions based on demonstrated good practices.

BLUE CONNECT will support the designation of new MPAs or the expansion of existing ones, the transition to strict protection, the restoration of ecosystems and the improvement of ecological connectivity. By fostering collaboration between stakeholders and citizen science initiatives, the project seeks to build a sense of co-ownership among communities, empowering them to play a critical role in the conservation of marine ecosystems.

The 12 BLUE CONNECT demonstration sites are spread over four European sea basins: the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. These demonstration sites represent a diverse mix of nationally designated SPAs and Natura 2000 sites, with previously identified gaps and needs for better protection and management, showcasing diverse coastal and offshore habitats across Europe. This variety highlights the flexibility and applicability of the tools and frameworks offered by the BLUE CONNECT Blueprint.

This Horizon Europe project starts in September 2024 and will run until February 2028 and is implemented by a consortium of 25 partners from NGOs, research institutions, businesses and the public sector from 14 different countries, representing the specific needs and interests of each of the four sea basins included in the project.

For more information please follow the website of the project and our website