From March 3 to 7, 2025, the European Ocean Days of the Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” took place at the Charlemagne Building of the European Commission in Brussels.
Organized in series of interconnected thematic sessions, these days provided a valuable opportunity for dialogue among various communities committed to protecting marine ecosystems.
The agenda of the European Ocean Days was structured into in-depth sessions addressing fundamental aspects of the future of our oceans and inland waters, including maritime governance, sustainable blue economy, advances in scientific research in the fisheries sector, strategies for engaging younger generations in marine conservation, and much more.
In particular, on Tuesday, March 4, the Third Annual Forum was held, an event in which Venice Lagoon Plastic Free (VLPF) also participated. This Forum served as an important occasion to assess progress towards achieving the Mission’s objectives, monitor adopted strategies, and outline new intervention perspectives. Additionally, it facilitated networking among participants, fostering synergies between related projects.
A specific section of the Forum, on March 4, was dedicated to matchmaking meetings among European and international stakeholders, aiming to encourage the adoption of concrete solutions to achieve the Mission’s objectives, promote new collaborations, and support the development of innovative technologies applied to marine environmental protection.
Venice Lagoon Plastic Free is part of the “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” Mission with two projects funded under the initiative (SeaClear2.0 and REMEDIES). VLPF has been a signatory of the Mission Charter since 2024, following the official recognition of its efforts in awareness-raising, monitoring, removal, and recycling of marine litter. The key objectives of the Mission include:
- The restoration of marine and inland water ecosystems;
- The reduction of pollution;
- The promotion of a sustainable blue economy.
To achieve these objectives, the Mission has established “Lighthouses” in the main European marine basins (Mediterranean, Baltic, Danube Basin, and Arctic region), which serve as innovation hubs dedicated to developing and testing specific solutions for each geographic area. Within this Lighthouse network, VLPF plays a strategic role in combating plastic pollution in the Venice Lagoon, contributing through a wide range of initiatives, including:
- The creation of a recycling chain for difficult-to-treat plastics, such as fiberglass from abandoned and sunken boats (Ghost Boats) in the Venice Lagoon;
- Awareness, monitoring, and cleanup programs for beach litter, supported by innovative digital and technological tools, such as apps and infrared light instruments;
- The organization of international workshops on “Marine Litter Monitoring, Removal, and Circular Economy,” held during the Venice Boat Show;
- Awareness-raising activities on Mission-related topics, including participation in the Historical Regatta of Venice with the Mission Ocean flag.
The full list of initiatives promoted by Venice Lagoon Plastic Free under the Mission Charter is available at the following link.
VLPF’s participation in the European Ocean Days 2025 represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen its commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and tackling the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. Reinforced by collaboration with European partners and the implementation of innovative solutions, VLPF continues to work towards protecting the Venice Lagoon as a demonstration site for promoting a sustainable future for our seas.
The preservation of marine ecosystems is a collective responsibility: the contribution of each individual is essential for the success of this mission.
