On 23 September 2025, EMODnet hosted a online workshop, “EMODnet Marine Knowledge for Non-Governmental Organisations” in collaboration with the European Commission’s DG MARE. The event brought together experts from EMODnet and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working in the ocean domain from across Europe at local, National, regional, European and global levels. The event focused on two objectives: strengthening NGO awareness and use of EMODnet for their Marine Knowledge needs, particularly in support of the European Ocean Pact and global conservation goals, and NGOs as important data producers and the benefits of data sharing with EMODnet.
The workshop focused on NGO Marine Knowledge needs for the European Ocean Pact—a unified framework supporting EU ocean-related policies which includes the EU Nature Restoration Law and EU obligations to global policy frameworks e.g., Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and international conservation targets, including the protection of 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030.
Participants included representatives from the ‘Blue’ network of Brussels-based NGOs, other organisations active in citizen science, marine conservation, and policy advocacy, EMODnet, the EC DG MARE and CINEA. EMODnet thematic coordinators and data ingestion experts demonstrated the EMODnet offer and NGO’s highlighted their current uses of EMODnet including for assessments and ocean advocacy, siting surveys and expeditions, among others.
NGOs also presented how they produce ocean data through scientific research and via citizen science initiatives, and how this is already being integrated into EMODnet’s marine knowledge base.
Among the featured participants were Voice of the Ocean, an EMODnet Associated Partner, which showcased its ongoing collaboration and data contributions to EMODnet which include near real-time ocean physics data. Also highlighted was Mare Nostrum, a long-standing contributor to multiple EMODnet thematic areas including marine litter and biodiversity data, demonstrating how NGOs are both users and producers of marine data. Local and regional NGOs were also well represented, including Venice Lagoon Plastic Free, which shared insights from its grassroots efforts to combat marine pollution and contribute to coastal monitoring.
Concrete examples were presented, demonstrating how NGOs are both users and producers of marine data. Discussions highlighted the potential to expand and systematise these collaborations, ensuring that society benefits from the most comprehensive and accurate marine knowledge available to inform decision-making and reduce uncertainty.
This workshop is part of EMODnet’s broader stakeholder dialogue series, which previously engaged Blue Economy sectors, including Ports, Marinas and Boating, Aquaculture, Offshore Renewable Energy, and Coastal Tourism.
Workshop participants and any stakeholders with concrete examples of using EMODnet to support this sector, or with any potential data that might be shared are encouraged to contact the EMODnet helpdesk with their query (helpdesk[at]ec.europa.eu).
A workshop report and PowerPoint presentation, including the event agenda, can be found below and via EC Maritime Forum, with recommendations and outputs communicated at future events, such as the EMODnet Open Conference 2025.
