Mediterranean Day, Elisa Conti (CNR): <<The sea does not begin at the coast: we need a source-to-sea approach>>

8 July marks the International Day of the Mediterranean Sea, devoted to raising awareness of the ecological, economic and cultural importance of these waters: a highly interconnected system in which rivers, coastlines and the sea form part of a single ecosystem that must be protected through new forms of governance and cooperation. We discussed this with Elisa Conti, Project Manager at CNR DSSTTA (National Research Council – Department of Earth System Sciences and Environmental Technologies).

Which are the main environmental challenges facing the Mediterranean, a region also affected by growing geopolitical tensions?
The Mediterranean is much more than just a sea: it is a strategic area in which the environment, the economy, security and international cooperation are intertwined. It is one of the world’s climate change hotspots and faces ever-increasing pressures: pollution, biodiversity loss, water scarcity and extreme weather events are undermining the health of ecosystems and the economic and social resilience of the entire region.

Despite representing less than 1% of the world’s ocean surface area, for example, the Mediterranean is home to around 18% of the world’s marine biodiversity: an extraordinary yet fragile asset on which key sectors such as fisheries, tourism, maritime transport and the blue economy depend, as well as the availability of water resources for millions of people. Its protection is therefore a priority for Europe, not only in terms of the environment, but also competitiveness, quality of life and future prosperity.
 

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In recent years, the EU has stepped up its commitment with various initiatives. How important is it to have a strategy agreed upon by all Mediterranean countries?
It is crucial. For many years, environmental challenges have been tackled through projects, some of which excellent, yet fragmented. This approach is no longer sufficient today, because pollution, climate change, water scarcity and biodiversity loss know no borders. We need shared governance tools capable of bringing together institutions, the scientific community, businesses, local authorities and citizens.

This is the vision underpinning the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030, the European Ocean Pact and the Water Resilience Strategy, which promote an integrated approach to the management of the ocean and water resources.

 

• You may also be interested in: The crucial battle for water is playing out in Brussels

BlueMissionMed, the Mediterranean CSA (Coordination and Support Action) for the implementation of the Ocean and Waters Mission over the three-year period 2023-2025, coordinated by the CNR, also falls within this framework: what results has it achieved?
Initiatives such as BlueMissionMed are playing a vital role in forging connections between countries, European institutions, national and regional authorities, the research community, businesses and civil society.

Its added value lies not only in supporting innovative projects, but also in building a Mediterranean community capable of sharing knowledge, best practices, and common tools. These include the BlueMissionMed Community Platform, which connects stakeholders across the Mediterranean; the Support Programme, dedicated to assisting regions and organisations in implementing the Mission; and a collection of Innovative Transformative Solutions, which showcases mature and replicable technologies.

The project has also significantly bridged the gap between those who develop innovation and those who must apply it. However, its most important legacy is the proof that the transition towards a more resilient Mediterranean depends not only on technology, but on the ability to forge partnerships and establish truly collaborative governance.

Are there any other projects currently being carried out by the CNR?
BlueMissionMed is just one part of the CNR’s commitment to the transition towards a more sustainable Mediterranean.

Among the main projects is SEACURE, which integrates the Restore our Ocean and Waters Mission with the A Soil Deal for Europe Mission: the CNR coordinates the regional scale-up to transfer and replicate innovative solutions across the regions.

Citizen science is another key area: through initiatives such as Piccoli Grandi Scienziati (e Cittadini) Crescono (Little Big Scientists (and Citizens) Are Growing Up), the CNR involves schools and pupils in monitoring aquatic ecosystems, combining research with environmental awareness. The Biodiversity Gateway, Italy's first national portal on biodiversity, provides data and knowledge to citizens, businesses and public decision-makers.

Looking ahead, the CNR will be involved in new European projects such as ISLA BONITA and FLLORA and will continue to operate through its Living Lab for Oceans and Water, recognised by the European ENoLL network.

The CNR is also a co-organiser of the first Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum, promoted by the Italian One Water Committee. What are the expectations?
The event will provide a forum for discussion on water governance and the implementation of European policies. The aim is to translate research into practical action and to strengthen cooperation between institutions, the scientific community and society. It is no longer a matter of working for the Mediterranean, but of working as the Mediterranean: a shared community of innovation and governance is the only way to tackle challenges that no single country can resolve on its own.

When we talk about the Mediterranean, we often focus solely on the environmental aspect. What role can the marine bioeconomy play?
Sustainability is not at odds with economic development; on the contrary, it could be its main driving force. The Mediterranean is an important testing ground from this perspective too.

The marine bioeconomy provides opportunities ranging from biotechnology to biomaterials, from pharmaceuticals to new ingredients for food and cosmetics, right through to nature-based solutions for the protection of coastal ecosystems. In addition to these are the circular economy, biomass recovery and technologies for reducing pollution. For European businesses, it means gaining access to new markets and driving innovation in a context where sustainability is increasingly a competitive factor.

Ecomondo is an important networking opportunity for BlueMissionMed. Why?
Ecomondo is one of Europe’s leading forums, bringing together research, businesses, institutions and policymakers. Because of this, it has been chosen as the strategic venue for 2023, 2024, 2025 and also 2026.

The Mediterranean Lighthouse Bootcamp last year brought together the European Commission, EU projects, public authorities, businesses and investors to accelerate the transfer of innovative solutions to local areas and the market. One of the most significant outcomes was connecting established technologies with potential users and funders, fostering new collaborations and opportunities for replication across the Mediterranean.

The “From Source-to-Sea to Scale” event is scheduled to take place at Ecomondo 2026. How important is this approach?
The sea does not begin at the coast, but much further upstream. And its protection cannot begin at the beach.

Many of the pressures affecting the Mediterranean today – from plastic pollution to nutrients and emerging contaminants – originate in river basins and reach the sea via rivers and watercourses. In the same vein, the effects of climate change and water scarcity affect the entire water cycle. This is why it is essential to adopt a source-to-sea approach, which treats rivers, lakes, aquifers, coastal areas and the sea as a single system.

Are there any other initiatives planned?
As CNR, we will be taking part in numerous other sessions at Ecomondo 2026 and will be present at the Emilia-Romagna Region/ART-ER stand (South Hall, Pavilion D6), promoting networking and meeting opportunities.
Article written by Maria Carla Rota 


This blog is a joint project by Ecomondo and Renewable Matter


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