AIR Centre presents BlueMissionAA as a successful case at ANI’s “Surfing the Blue – Navigating Ocean Funding Opportunities”

On Friday, May 9, the coordination team of BlueMissionAA led by the AIR Centre was honored to participate in the Surfing the Blue – Navigating Ocean Funding Opportunities event, organized by ANI | Agência Nacional de Inovação and the National Committee for the Decade of the Ocean (CNDO). Endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), the event brought together researchers, stakeholders, and organizations active in ocean-related fields to explore European programs and national funding opportunities. The discussions aimed to align synergies between Horizon Europe’s Ocean & Water Mission, the Decade of the Ocean, and national funding sources, offering participants a clear vision of the available support. The project was selected as a Portuguese success story by Tania Li Chen, who highlighted the project’s contributions to ocean restoration and protection as an exemplary Coordination and Support Action (CSA). Valerie de Liedekerke, the project coordinator, joined the discussions, reinforcing the project’s commitment to advancing sustainable ocean solutions. The event also featured representatives from Portuguese funding agencies, including FRCT, ARDITI, FCT, and DGPM | EEA Grants-Mar, underlining Portugal’s collaborative approach to fostering innovation in the blue economy. Participants explored opportunities to establish strategic partnerships and gain insights into innovative regional activities spearheaded by Portugal’s CCDRs (Regional Coordination and Development Commissions). This session emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in addressing ocean sustainability challenges. By showcasing successful national initiatives like BlueMissionAA and others, such as A-AAGORA – Atlantic Arctic Agora, NETTAGPlus, SOS2learnDBS, COASTNET and WOLFF, it inspired stakeholders to harness funding opportunities and align efforts toward shared goals. BlueMissionAA remains steadfast in its mission to restore and protect our ocean and waters, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future. We extend our gratitude to ANI, CNDO, and all participants for organizing this impactful event and fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. More info on the event is available on the official website.