From tackling harmful algal blooms to inspiring young people to pursue careers in offshore energy: 19 projects across the North Sea and Baltic Sea region will receive more than 8 million euro in EU funding through BlueActionBANOS. Two of these projects will take place in Flanders. As a Belgian project partner, the Flanders Marine Institute will help provide scientific support to these local initiatives and ensure that their knowledge and experiences are shared more widely.
The Reef training facility | POW West-Vlaanderen
Polluted rivers, harmful algal blooms and increasing pressure on marine ecosystems: Europe's waters face major challenges. Through BlueActionBANOS, the European Union aims to help local and regional organisations develop practical solutions and drive lasting change.
On 5 November, BlueActionBANOS announced the first 19 projects selected for funding, receiving a total of more than €8 million. Eight projects will test innovative solutions in real-world settings (Community-Led Actions), while the other eleven will focus on developing long-term strategies, partnerships and action plans (Transition Agendas). Together, they will contribute to the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.
VLIZ: Bridging science and practice
BlueActionBANOS is a four-year European programme with 9 million euro in funding available to support local initiatives. VLIZ is involved as a Belgian partner alongside The Blue Cluster, and contributed to the selection of the first round of projects.
However, VLIZ's role extends well beyond the allocation of funding. The institute will also facilitate knowledge exchange and provide scientific support throughout the implementation of the projects. This will give project teams access to relevant scientific insights, innovative approaches and lessons learned from other organisations. Depending on their needs, VLIZ can bring in independent experts, organise thematic information sessions on topics such as citizen science or monitoring, and connect project partners with organisations that have tackled similar challenges. Knowledge sharing will remain a priority even after the projects have ended. By disseminating results and lessons learned, VLIZ aims to ensure that successful solutions can be adopted and replicated in other European regions.
Two Flemish projects receive funding
Nutreact: Tackling harmful algal blooms at De Gavers
The Ghent-based company Avecom, together with the Province of East Flanders and Dutch Water Tech, has been awarded 1.1 million euro to test an innovative biological filtration system at the De Gavers recreational area in Geraardsbergen. By removing nitrogen and phosphate from the water, the project aims to limit the growth of potentially toxic cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. This could help make recreational waters safer and contribute to more sustainable water management.
WAVE @ The Reef: Introducing young people to offshore energy
POM West Flanders, Howest and VIVES have been awarded 100,000 euro to introduce young people to the offshore energy sector through hands-on STEM activities. At The Reef training facility in Ostend, students will explore drone operations, maritime cybersecurity and virtual simulations of offshore working environments, among other activities. The project aims to help students make informed study and career choices while encouraging more technically skilled young people to enter the sector.
From local solutions to European impact
The first BlueActionBANOS open calls attracted 222 project proposals, of which 19 were selected for funding. Over the coming years, these initiatives are expected not only to deliver tangible results at local level, but also to develop knowledge and approaches that can be applied elsewhere in Europe.
More information about this call and allocation: www.blueactionbanos.eu
