Last week, Blue4All made a significant impact at the European Ocean Days, highlighting our ongoing initiatives in marine conservation and the management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The event was a perfect stage for our team to share insights and discuss future strategies.
Project Pitch Highlights
Steven Degraer, our Project Coordinator, pitched the Blue4All project and presented the advancements of our Blueprints Platform. The platform serves both as a central hub for MPA management tools and as a guiding resource to help MPA managers find the most relevant tools for their specific contexts and challenges. The presentation was well received and sparked discussions with other MPA-related initiatives interested in collaboration, leading to ongoing conversations about improvements and further showcasing the platform's promising features.
Engaging Panel Discussions
Both Steven Degraer and our project partner Francesco De Franco were part of a critical discussion during the BlueParks Session, which focused on strict protection within MPAs. Their contributions shed light on the current hurdles and prospects for marine conservation, providing valuable perspectives to the dialogue.
Interactive Community Engagement
At the MPA Community Network Booth, we introduced an interactive Corridor Card Game, developed with several EU-funded projects (MSP4BIO, BLUE CONNECT, Bio Protect, Pharos, and Marine Plan, to engage participants in marine protection strategies. The game quickly became a highlight, drawing attendees into lively discussions on decision-making, trade-offs, and the complexities of MPA management.
Moving Forward
We continue to develop and enhance the Blueprints Platform, aiming to incorporate a wider array of tools that boost its effectiveness and sustainability. The feedback from the European Ocean Days is instrumental in refining our approach to marine management.
We appreciate everyone who engaged with us at the event. Your support and shared dedication to marine conservation inspire us to push further in our efforts. Let's keep working together to protect our oceans!