BLUE CONNECT is creating a blueprint to guide science-based protection, co-management and monitoring of Europe’s seas
Europe has set ambitious targets for protecting its marine environment, but progress reveals a significant gap. Only 13.7% of EU seas are protected, and just 0.03% are strictly protected – far below the EU Biodiversity Strategy’s 2030 goals of 30% and 10%, respectively. Meeting these targets requires not only designating new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) but also strengthening existing ones and ensuring they form an effective, connected network.
BLUE CONNECT, a Horizon Europe Mission Ocean project, supports Europe in closing this gap. It promotes a comprehensive, science-driven and inclusive approach to expanding existing or designating new MPAs, shifting to strict protection, enhancing ecological connectivity, and facilitating co-management with local stakeholders. The project aligns with Mission Ocean and Waters objectives, providing Europe with tools to meet its 2030 protection and restoration commitments.
A science-driven blueprint
BLUE CONNECT aims to develop and implement a systematic approach to effective marine conservation. Central to this approach is a holistic modelling framework that considers biodiversity, ecological functioning, ecosystem services and connectivity aspects as well as socio-economic and cultural interests.
The framework will be tested across 12 demonstration sites. ‘We are now at the stage where we have a clear picture on the aspects of the operational framework for identifying ecological objectives and the connectivity framework that will be applied at each site,’ says Natascha Jaspert, Project Coordinator. In February 2026, stakeholders from all demonstration sites will participate in a cross-site workshop to test and validate the project’s draft tools and developments, marking a significant step forward for the project.
The project’s ultimate deliverable will be a scalable and transferable blueprint. This blueprint will provide a comprehensive approach and cost-effective tools to define science-based conservation objectives, co-develop conservation measures, implement co-management and monitor effectiveness across diverse marine environments.
Demonstration sites: co-management and connectivity
The 12 demonstration sites span four European sea basins – the Atlantic, North Sea, Black Sea and Mediterranean – and include a mix of nationally designated MPAs and Natura 2000 sites. Management varies: some sites lack formal plans, while others actively enforce theirs but struggle to define targeted objectives.
Co-management is a common challenge. ‘Shifting to real co-management in European MPAs can be challenging because governance is typically centralised,’ notes Jaspert. ‘Yet it is crucial for success and local community acceptance.’ To address this issue, BLUE CONNECT established local stakeholder working groups at each site, identifying key participants in local MPA processes – a major milestone for the project.
Ecological connectivity is another focus. Three demonstration sites – Macaronesia, the Cetacean Migration Corridor in Spain and the Scottish MPA Network – are specifically exploring connectivity strategies to ensure protective measures account for species’ movement across national and regional boundaries.
Scaling up and sharing knowledge
BLUE CONNECT also addresses scalability and transferability. The SAIS EBSA demo site – the South Adriatic Ionian Strait (SAIS), designated as an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA) – focuses on these aspects in particular, showcasing the potential upscale of best practices from the project to transboundary areas. Further, the project collaborates with Blue4All, another Horizon Europe Mission Ocean project, to co-develop the blueprint into an online platform where users can access tools and methodologies to strengthen MPAs.
The project is part of the MPA Community Network, fostering collaboration among initiatives to merge efforts and avoid duplication. Close cooperation ensures that outcomes are amplified and long-lasting. ‘Our work has significant potential to be taken up beyond the project,’ says Jaspert. ‘There are already discussions with sites outside BLUE CONNECT interested in adopting our framework.’
For updates on EU Blue Parks projects under Mission Ocean and Waters, follow the EU Blue Parks Community, which brings together scientists, policymakers and practitioners to accelerate marine protection and restoration through knowledge-sharing, innovation and improved governance.