The European Commission and Horizon Europe projects take centre stage in Nice, showcasing how they address key ocean challenges—climate change, pollution, overfishing, and weak governance. With the ocean playing a crucial role in global health, the economy, and human well-being, their presence highlights the urgency of coordinated action.
Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) hosts two high-level Townhall events during the One Ocean Science Congress.
Townhall 1: On a Mission to restore the Ocean and Waters – Towards the deployment at scale of innovative solutions for Ocean restoration and resilience of coastal communities.
This session explores how research and innovation can accelerate ocean protection and restoration, with a focus on implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the High Seas Treaty. It highlights successful, innovative solutions developed under the Mission to safeguard marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
Townhall 2: Marine Knowledge at the Fingertips of our Communities – Designing Digital Twins of the Ocean
Jointly organised by DG RTD, the DITTO UN Decade Programme, and the G7 Future of the Seas and Oceans Working Group, this Townhall explores how Digital Twins of the Ocean (DTOs), from real-time data integration to AI-powered simulations , can transform sustainable ocean management. It showcases how this cutting-edge technology can help combat pollution, overfishing, and climate change, while ensuring an inclusive, fair transition.
Numerous Horizon Europe and Mission Oceanprojects organise and/or contribute to side events, scientific sessions of the One Ocean Science Congress and of UNOC3.
The outcomes of these events will contribute to the scientific recommendations for Heads of State and Government, feeding into the Nice Ocean Action Plan — a key expected outcome of the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3). This Plan is intended to serve as a pivotal framework for global ocean conservation efforts, driving collaboration and concrete action to secure the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems for future generations.
In addition, the EU Digital Ocean Pavilion, co-organised by DG DEFIS, MARE and RTD, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the EU’s achievements and capabilities in advancing ocean knowledge, particularly through cutting-edge digital technologies such as the European Digital Twin of the Ocean.
Additional information
The event is web streamed on the European Digital Ocean Pavilion and promoted on the Mission’s social media channels.
Background
What is the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”?
The EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” aims to protect and restore the health of our ocean and waters through research and innovation, citizen engagement, and blue investments. By approaching the ocean and waters as one interconnected system, the Mission plays a key role in achieving climate neutrality and restoring nature.
