This course explores the role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and ocean multi-use strategies in building a resilient and thriving blue economy.

Over four weeks, you’ll dive into how conservation, governance, and entrepreneurship intersect in the planning and use of ocean space. From understanding maritime spatial planning to exploring multi-use pilots across European sea basins, you’ll gain practical insight into how the ocean is managed—and how new solutions are developed.

You’ll also discover how MPAs support biodiversity, climate resilience, and local economies, while opening doors for sustainable ventures.

Through real-world case studies, interactive exercises, and strategic tools, you’ll learn how to evaluate MPA effectiveness, engage stakeholders, and integrate conservation into business models.

Along the way, you’ll explore innovative financing, circular economy principles, and leadership strategies that enable scalable solutions.

Whether you’re a student, innovator, or professional, this course will help you understand the governance and business opportunities shaping the future of ocean protection, and your role within it!

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Read the full brief here.

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From cross-project exchanges, validation sessions, and interactive workshops to strategy sessions on long-term uptake, the event marked a major milestone in biodiversity mainstreaming within maritime spatial planning.

With MSP4BIO coming to and end, we are proud to share important outcomes of three years of hard work.

Read the full article here!

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· Foster dialogue knowledge exchange & enhance networking among Ocean Multi-Use (MU) professionals, stakeholders, NGOs, researchers, and blue career practitioners

· Facilitate collaboration between Ocean Multi-Use projects, experts, and sectors working at the intersection of marine conservation and sustainable blue growth

· Act as a discussion hub where users showcase the latest developments, innovations, and practical applications of MU approaches Host a dynamic community across three connected channels:

– BlueBio Match for ongoing discussions and expert engagement

–LinkedIn for sharing OMU news, drive interested public to our BBM OMU hub to boost engaging discussions.

–Dedicated sections on project websites linking users directly to the OMU Hub’s social and knowledge sharing spaces

The Ocean Multi-Use Hub is open to anyone passionate about advancing integrated, sustainable, and inclusive use of our marine spaces across Europe’s sea basins.

Join here.

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Following the introductions, the workshop moved into game mode! Around 30 participants were divided into three groups and challenged to design an MPA corridor based on diverse ecological and stakeholder data. Each team worked with a printed map and was supported by MPA-CN facilitators:

• Sophie Jensen (BioProtect)
• Deborah Gutierrez (MSP4BIO)
• Jannica Haldin (Protect Baltic)
• Mariana Mata Lara (Blue Connect)
• Maëlla Sicard (Blue4All)

Inspired by the mechanics of the game Clue, teams received 20 different data cards—ranging from biodiversity assessments to calls to protest by discontent stakehodlers—and had to collaboratively analyse trade-offs, ecological priorities, and human pressures to propose protected areas.

The discussions were very interesting, all participants were so proactive and to our surprise, the three designs were completely different! While some focused on the ecological value, other decided to protect the most vulnerable areas, and some other to create corridors that would connect different spots. People loved it and despite having been a 1 hour long game, the audience said they would it to be even longer.

Learn more here!

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During the inspiring side event “BBNJ – Breaking the Silos: A Discussion on Synergies and Cooperation for the High Seas,” hosted by Belgium’s Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety, and Environment, our work took center stage.

Key Contributions from Submariner Projects:

Blue Connect Project

Oyster Reef Restoration – Revitalizing vital marine habitats to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Systematic Marine Conservation Planning – Collaborating with marine protected area managers, industries, and communities across Europe to co-develop solutions that meet ambitious 2030 targets.

ULTFARMS

Nature-Based Solutions – Showcasing the AquaForest mangrove restoration project in Ecuador as a model for global climate adaptation.

Active Habitat Restoration – Highlighting synergy with BlueConnect through the BELREEFS oyster reef restoration initiative.

Nature-Inclusive Design – Introducing innovative approaches for sustainable offshore energy infrastructure through the REEFCOVERY project.

These presentations highlighted the power of collaboration, with Submariner Network demonstrating how biodiversity enhancement, climate adaptation, and innovation can create resilient marine ecosystems.

Belgium’s Special Envoy Willem Van de Voorde and Minister for Energy Tinne Van der Straeten emphasized the importance of international cooperation in shaping a sustainable blue future—a vision we are committed to realizing. We are excited to continue advancing these initiatives and fostering collaboration across sectors.

Photo Credit: Vicky Stratigaki via LinkedIn

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SUBMARINER members

Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Fachhochschule Kiel GmbH

Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum Fachhochschule Kiel GmbH

s.Pro – Sustainable Projects

s.Pro – Sustainable Projects

Other partners

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SUBMARINER members

Under Ytan

Under Ytan

Other partners

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