The seventh EU Blue Parks Community Workshop will take place on 16 November 2026 in Bruges, Belgium, bringing together marine protected area managers, policymakers, researchers and project representatives to explore how scientific knowledge and project results can be translated into effective marine protection measures.

Organised in partnership with the Blue4all project, the workshop, titled "From science to practice: co-creating effective MPAs to meet the EU marine protection targets", will be held as a side event to the 7th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity. Both in-person and online participation will be available.

Since its establishment, the EU Blue Parks Community has provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders working to strengthen marine protection across Europe. This year's workshop will focus on practical implementation, examining how tools, methodologies and lessons developed through EU-funded projects can support MPA managers and authorities in achieving the EU's marine protection objectives.

A key feature of the event will be contributions from Blue4all, which has worked with stakeholders across 15 European MPAs to develop and test approaches for effective marine conservation. Participants will also be introduced to the new MPA Solutions Hub, designed to make practical resources and knowledge more accessible to the wider MPA community.

By connecting project outcomes with the needs of practitioners and decision-makers, the workshop aims to support the implementation of the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030 and strengthen collaboration across Europe's marine protection landscape.

Agenda and registration to follow.