BlueMissionMed has announced the winners of the second edition of “Society4Med”, the award organized within the framework of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”.
The initiative celebrates and promotes high-impact projects that actively engage citizens in actions aimed at protecting our oceans and waters. Among the participants were NGOs, private companies, research institutes, schools, associations, and foundations.
Society4Med is a true platform that showcases the power of civic engagement in shaping a more resilient Mediterranean.
This year, the award received 24 inspiring applications from across the Mediterranean, including 16 new signatories of the Mission Ocean Charter, demonstrating the award’s concrete contribution in expanding the network of Mission supporters and strengthening its impact in the Mediterranean region.
The awards covered two categories, Sport and Leisure and Blue Education, along with some special mentions, illustrating how civic engagement, education, creativity, and collaboration can drive the transition toward a green and resilient Mediterranean. The jury evaluated the proposals received based on specific criteria such as: contribution to the objectives of the Ocean Mission, innovation of the format, quality of engagement, concrete impact, and potential for replicability.
For the category Sport and Leisure – Initiatives that engage civil society in the protection of the ocean and waters, the winner was PLUMBUM PROJECT by the Hippocampus Association.
The Plumbum Project stood out for its high level of citizen engagement and strong replication potential. It mobilized 1,200 divers and 550 volunteers, along with schools and local communities, to recover over one ton of lead from the sea, which was then recycled into diving weights.
The initiative combined environmental cleanups, snorkeling, diving, and a collection network in collaboration with dive centers and natural parks, helping reduce heavy metal pollution and the carbon footprint. With an innovative approach based on citizen science, circular economy, and environmental awareness, Plumbum represents a replicable model for marine restoration in the Mediterranean.
The special mention in this category went to Viu La Vela Barcelona from the Municipality of Barcelona. The project was awarded for the strong strategic commitment of the Municipality of Barcelona to environmental awareness through sport.
Since 2023, it has involved over 15,600 children in workshops on marine pollution and trained 250 young sailing instructors, with attention to gender equality. With an investment of €2.6 million, it has brought thousands of students (aged 10–11) closer to the sea and its protection. By combining sailing, education, and sustainability, the initiative has helped shape a new generation of sea stewards.
For the category Blue Education Initiatives, including formal, non-formal, and informal education activities, the winner was The Village – Genova Blue District.
The Village impressed the jury with its exceptional impact and inclusiveness in promoting awareness of the blue economy, education, and ocean literacy. The Village fosters collaboration, outreach, networking, and innovation across different communities.
The Village stood out for its strong impact and inclusive approach in promoting education and awareness on the ocean and blue economy.
In 2024, it organized 1,407 events involving over 62,000 people, including: 350 organizations, 209 companies, 60 schools, and 9,500 students.
Among the activities: exhibitions, free workshops, and the Blue Circle community for innovators. By combining creativity, education, and sustainability, The Village has become a reference hub for the blue and green transition, encouraging more conscious and sustainable lifestyles.
The Special Mention for Young Ocean Advocacy went to Nauticinblu (Marevivo Foundation ETS).
Nauticinblu was awarded for its educational program aimed at students of Nautical Institutes (aged 15–17), combining professional training with knowledge of the sea.
It involved about 1,000 students and 120 teachers in Italy, plus 500 students and 50 teachers in Spain, Greece, and Portugal. The project aims to train a new generation of sea professionals capable of integrating economic development, ecological transition, and environmental protection.
Finally, the Special Mention for Social Inclusion went to La Tempesta degli Oceani by Empordà Mar.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”, this theatrical project combined gesture, rhythm, live music, clowning, and sign language to tell the story of the broken relationship between humanity and the ocean, standing out for artistic excellence and inclusivity.
In addition to the performance, it offered educational workshops and teaching materials, transforming art into a tool for ecological awareness and community participation, with support from environmental organizations.
All winners will be awarded next November 7 at Ecomondo in Rimini, one of the main European events dedicated to ecological transition and innovation.
“Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030” aims to eliminate pollution and make the blue economy carbon-neutral and circular. The Mission supports regional engagement and cooperation through area-based “Lighthouses” in major sea/river basins.