Building the Blue Society

Funded by the EU, the 'Sea for society' (SFS) project engages stakeholders, citizens and youth in an open discussion and shares knowledge about societal issues concerning the sea. This will enable SFS to develop the concept of the Blue Society, while preparing mechanisms for cooperation. At the heart of the process is public engagement in research and how it relates to EU maritime policy.

SFS takes the form of a Mobilisation and Mutual Learning Action Plan (MMLAP) — associated with the EU's 'Science in Society' theme — that brings together 20 partners from 10 countries representing a range of stakeholders. They include marine research institutes, funding agencies, science museums and aquaria, civil society organisations, higher education institutes and business networks.

The aim of SFS is to shape the Blue Society concept and improve governance of marine research. The Blue Society combines the desire and need for progress while respecting the sustainability of resources. Work conducted by SFS represents the first step in a cross-sectorial dialogue within Europe about the relationship between the sea and citizens' daily lives.

Researchers carried out a comprehensive review of the state of marine research in each of the subject areas covered by SFS. These covered food supply, human health, a place to live, transport, energy, and leisure and tourism. The consortium also mapped the key types of stakeholders to be involved in the consultation process. Furthermore, they reviewed existing studies, identifying the main issues for stakeholders, citizens and youth.

Visual materials and detailed guidelines were prepared for the consultation process and a methodology known as Collective Intelligence was selected. Areas teams were then trained in how to run the consultation process in each country. The consultation was conducted in nine geographical areas: France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. The results are now being compiled and analysed.

Outcomes from the consultation process will enable SFS to develop a clearer vision, based on concrete proposals for research and governance issues relating to the ocean. It will also contribute to a new version of the Blue Society concept, its themes and areas for action. In addition, it will contribute to the creation of a long-term platform for implementing the Blue Society concept at the European level.