CO-WATERS

CO-WATERS (Coalition of Waterfront Cities, Regions and Islands) is a European project that brings together coastal communities, cities and regions in a broad coalition committed to achieving cleaner and healthier waters. The project supports local actors in developing their initiatives and offers practical assistance on cooperation, knowledge sharing, training, participation and financing.

CO-WATERS strengthens the coherence between the various instruments within the European mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030. In doing so, the coalition helps to bring the mission’s solutions into practice at the local level. In addition, a Mission Ocean & Waters Label is being developed to give strong local initiatives extra recognition.

CO-WATERS drives change through tailored services that empower coastal communities:

• Connecting and sharing knowledge: Building a vibrant network where cities, regions, islands and other actors can learn from one another and amplify their collective impact.
• Hands-on training and guidance: Providing interactive training and tailored advice to help local leaders act inclusively and effectively.
• Citizen and stakeholder engagement: Offering practical tools to build trust, participation and long-term commitment.
• Navigating funding: Helping participants identify and access the right financial instruments to realise their plans.
• Recognition through a label: Co-creating and testing the Mission Ocean & Waters Label to reward ambitious transition plans.

CO-WATERS works closely with six pilot sites that serve as living laboratories and accelerators of change:

• Cities: Municipality of Rimini (Italy) and Municipality of Burgas (Bulgaria)
• Regions: Région Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (France) and De Blauwe Cluster (Belgium)
• Islands: Crete (Greece) and Réunion (France)

Blue Cluster acts as both a partner and a pilot region within CO-WATERS. We:

• bring together Flemish and international stakeholders and share practical experience;
• support local participation and communication among businesses, citizens and public authorities;
• contribute to the development and testing of the Mission Ocean & Waters Label;
• help members and SMEs identify and make use of funding opportunities.