The UN Ocean Decade – officially the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), is a global movement with the vision to ‘generate the science we need, for the ocean we want’

Ocean Decade Actions are the concrete initiatives carried out across the globe to fulfill this Ocean Decade vision. They tackle one or more of the 10 critical Ocean Decade Challenges that have been identified.

These Decade Actions are led by a wide range of stakeholders including, but not limited to, research institutes, governments, UN entities, intergovernmental organizations and other international and regional organizations, business and industry, philanthropic and corporate foundations, non-governmental organizations, educators, community groups or individuals (e.g. via community-led science initiatives). 

Through its recurring Calls for Decade Actions, the initiative invites projects, programmes, and contributions that tackle these ocean challenges, to be endorsed and labelled as an official Ocean Decade Action.

The Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025 is the latest opportunity to join this global effort. It welcomes:

• Programmes: Large-scale, multi-year initiatives aligned with Ocean Decade priorities.
• Projects: Targeted efforts that contribute to endorsed programmes.
• Contributions: Financial or in-kind support to the Decade ecosystem.

The call is applicable to all sea basins.

 Why Apply?

Being endorsed as an Ocean Decade Action by the United Nations is more than just a badge of honor—it’s a gateway to global collaboration, visibility, and impact.

Here’s what it unlocks:

1. Global Recognition: Your initiative becomes part of a UN-endorsed movement, signaling credibility and alignment with international sustainability goals.
2. Access to a Global Network: Join a vibrant community of scientists, policymakers, NGOs, and innovators working across disciplines and borders.
3. Increased Visibility: Endorsed Actions are promoted through the Ocean Decade website, events, and global communications—boosting your project’s reach and influence.
4. Strategic Partnerships: The endorsement opens doors to collaboration with other Decade Actions, UN agencies, and funding bodies.
5. Policy Impact: Your work contributes directly to the 10 Ocean Decade Challenges, helping shape ocean governance and sustainable development.
6. Enhanced Funding Potential: While endorsement doesn’t guarantee funding, it strengthens your case with donors and investors by demonstrating alignment with a high-profile global initiative.

For  more information visit the call website (part II Ocean Decade Projects)  or fill out the Request for Endorsement Project Application’ form

Deadline to apply: 31 August 2025

 

 

A new EMFAF call for tenders is open!

The main goal of this service contract is to strengthen ocean literacy across the European Union, positioning it as a vital element for advancing sustainable growth within the blue economy. This will be accomplished by continuing, managing, and expanding the initiatives of the EU4Ocean Coalition, which began in 2020.

Aligned with the European Ocean Pact, the contract also seeks to broaden the concept of ocean literacy. It will go beyond raising environmental awareness to emphasize the ocean’s critical role in driving innovation, economic prosperity, climate resilience, and global security.

Estimated budget: € 3,400,000
Maximum duration: 48 Months

For more information visit the funding and tenders portal of the European Commission

We are excited to announce the official launch of funding calls for 2025 PRIMA projects!

The 2025 Work Programme is strategically designed to fill gaps identified in previous funding cycles while responding to emerging regional challenges exacerbated by climate change or the COVID-19 pandemic, among other barriers. Recent climate-related events, including flooding in Southern and Eastern Europe, have disrupted agriculture and resource stability, leaving many Mediterranean countries vulnerable.

Key Focus Areas for 2025

The programme emphasizes environmental resilience through ecosystem restoration, particularly implementing nature-based solutions in farming and water management. These approaches are vital for supporting biodiversity, regulating water resources, and enhancing climate adaptation in the region’s increasingly threatened ecosystems.

Across its three thematic areas, PRIMA is targeting specific gaps:

• Water Management: Advancing digital tools like AI and IoT for adaptive water management, with greater focus on impact assessments for policy development
• Farming Systems: Promoting precision agriculture for smallholders and supporting biodiversity, soil health, and inclusive farming practices
• Agri-food Value Chain: Fostering consumer engagement for sustainable choices, expanding plant-based protein options, and enhancing traceability solutions

Funding Structure
The 2025 Work Programme is organized into two main sections:

• Section 1 (EU-funded): Three calls covering Water Management, Farming Systems, and Agri-food Value Chain, with approximately 12 projects expected (€2.7 million each)
• Section 2 (Participating States-funded): A multi-topic call across all thematic areas, with about 20 projects anticipated (€1.5 million each)

For More information visit the prima-med website

The Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership Transnational Access Call to Research Infrastructures 2025, enables applicants from the pan-European blue economy community to submit a proposal for utilising the Research Infrastructures made available by the Partnership partners as providers.

The call aims to implement the Partnership’s Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) by addressing key intervention areas, supporting internationalisation, and promoting Open Data and Open Science. It seeks to enhance innovation, align national investments with EU strategies, and improve operational efficiency by optimising the use and sharing of research infrastructures.

The Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership offers a portfolio of 49 Research Infrastructure services through the integrated availability of the following typology of RIs:

• Research Vessels
• Fixed platforms, auxiliary devices and experimental stations
• Mobile platforms (AUVs, gliders, aircraft)
• Portable equipment
• Analytical labs and Test benches (pressure chambers, pools. calibration/inter-calibration bench, include sample analysis)
• High Performance Computing Centres

For more information, visit the call website