Horizon Europe Mission Day “Regenerating our oceans and waters”

Paris, France — On January 30, 2024, the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research hosted the Horizon Europe Mission Day titled Regenerating our Oceans and Waters. This event brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss and advance the European mission of rejuvenating marine and freshwater ecosystems.

A highlight of the day was the official signing of the Mission Charter by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research – Sylvie Retailleau, marking a commitment to the goals of the mission. This charter serves as a foundational document for ongoing and future initiatives aimed at ocean and water regeneration.

Representatives from various institutes outlined projects and key actions whereas, BRGM explained in a round table the broad outlines of the DaWetRest project and its actions at the heart of the partnership. A focus was placed on carbon sequestration in wetlands, detailing the dynamics of carbon stocks and fluxes within ecosystems such as soil, water, and vegetation. The round table provided a platform to discuss scientific findings and project milestones, highlighting the role of continental waters in the broader Mission Ocean framework. Through these discussions, together we underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and encouraged new partners to engage in similar projects, fostering a collaborative approach to marine and freshwater conservation.

The Horizon Europe Mission Day was an opportunity for networking and forging new partnerships. The French Ministry of Higher Education and Research’s commitment to the mission’s charter and the participation of various organizations signal a future for the regeneration of our oceans and waters.

This event marks a step forward in Europe’s mission to regenerate vital marine and freshwater resources, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for our planet’s waters.

For more information on the event and its outcomes, visit here.