The European Commission organized an event on 30 June in Lisbon at the Oceanário de Lisboa.

The aim of the event was to launch the Mission Charter. Members States, regions, and relevant stakeholders were invited to discover the charter and further engage with actions for a successful implementation of the Mission and its lighthouses.

Commissioner for Research and Innovation, Mariya Gabriel said: “With this Charter, the European Commission calls on you, governments and public authorities from Europe and around the world, businesses, civil society, financiers and donors as well as science and researchers to join our great Mission to restore our blue planet.

You can contribute by pledging actions to co-design, propose and implement policies, programmes, projects or initiatives that will contribute to the restoration of our ocean and waters.

Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Charlina Vitcheva said: “The Charter will be an inspirational framework, open, non-binding throughout the duration of the Mission. Through the Charter we aim at sending a clear signal about the importance of protecting and restoring one of the most valuable public goods, our waters.

By adhering to the Charter, you will be able to access services and tools the Mission Ocean and Waters will deploy, best practices from previous projects as well as tools to empower citizens to take action. You will become part of the Mission community and be involved in major Mission fora and events, allowing you to network with other participating communities.

So come on board this Mission and feel free to share and promote the Mission Charter among your networks. Because only by joining forces we can restore the health of our blue planet.

Click here to endorse the Mission Charter.