Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030

The objective of this Mission is to restore the health of our ocean and waters by 2030. The Mission is designed to deliver on the European Union’s 2030 quantified and measurable targets for protecting and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity, for zero pollution, and for the decarbonisation and reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions towards climate neutrality, within the EU’s ocean, seas and waters.

This Mission’s strategic objective is therefore to restore the health of our ocean and waters by 2030. Restoring the hydrosphere requires a new systemic approach addressing the system as whole. This Mission will contribute to this approach with three specific objectives that are interlinked and mutually supportive:

1. Protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity,
2. Prevent and eliminate pollution of our ocean, seas and waters, and
3. Make the sustainable blue economy carbon-neutral and circular.

Why this Mission?

The European Union can only fulfill its European Green Deal objectives by restoring the good health of the ‘hydrosphere’, the single connected system of the ocean, seas, coastal and inland waters, which covers around 75% of the Earth’s surface. Life on Earth depends on a healthy hydrosphere to maintain a rich biodiversity and functioning ecosystems that provide oxygen, drinking water and food. Pollution-free waters are critical for the health of both citizens and planet. For the citizens of Europe and the world, the health of the ocean and waters will shape their very real conditions of life. Healthy ecosystems support the transition to climate-neutrality, as the ocean is one of the planet’s most important carbon sinks4 and its resources, wind, tides and waves, provide clean energy. Healthy waters are also of great economic importance. By 2030, the ocean alone is estimated to generate EUR 2.5 trillion of goods and services annually whereas water-related services provided by nature are valued at around EUR 24 trillion per year.

Mission Implementation Plan

For a comprehensive overview of the challenges we are facing due to the rapid degradation of ocean health, and how these tie into the mission objectives and targets, and to EU policies, please see the Mission Implementation Plan and Factsheet about Mission Ocean. These documents are a guiding light for you on your proposal journey, you will gain insight into the forseen implentation plan and upcoming targets.

The document also includes chapters about synergies within Horizon Europe and other EU programmes, as well as valuable information about public mobilization and citizen engagement, and the monitoring and evaluation of the framework.

Mission Platform

The Mission Ocean and Waters Service Portal is a one-stop-shop for stakeholders involved and interested in implementing the Mission Ocean and Waters, allowing you to:

• Keep track of the Mission's progress toward its objectives,
• Follow the actions and activities across Mission Lighthouses,
• Find financial and investment opportunities related to the Mission,
• Access the Mission library to learn about and share innovative solutions for ocean and water restoration, and
• Engage with citizens and stakeholders through outreach, dissemination and Mission events.

Funding

• All calls for proposals under the Soil Mission can be found on the Funding and Tenders Portal.
• The Mission Ocean and Waters Service Portal includes a comprehensive overview of additional funding opportunities.
• Another important source for funding includes Horizon Europe Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment.
• CARE4BIO is the official network of Cluster 6 NCPs and provides useful resources and webinars for applicants.
• The LIFE Programme also provides funding for ocean and water conservation.