• Posted 26-Oct-2021

Blue economy: European young academics mobilize to protect our oceans

On 20-21 October, the European Commission hosted 75 university students from across the EU to co-create innovative solutions to the major challenges facing the ocean and the marine environment.

Participants to this “HACK4OCEANS” event developed ideas around marine litter, alternative food from the ocean, climate change and protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems. The initiative is part of the European Commission’s ocean literacy agenda, aiming not only to raise awareness about ocean-related issues, but also to tap into the fresh ideas of the EU’s young people, as a rich source of sustainable innovation today and tomorrow.

The event welcomed 75 undergraduate students from universities across Europe, who are either studying in disciplines relevant to the blue economy or have developed a personal interest or passion for the ocean.

The students assisted virtually by a select group of 30 professionals from different sectors of the blue economy, including business, policy-making and academia, who guided and supported the young participants in their social innovation journey. Results will be made available after the event online at Homepage - hack4oceans and on social media through #Hack4Oceans.

Source: European Commission I Oceans and fisheries (https://bit.ly/3EkpQGn)