The North Sea plays a central role in the transition toward sustainable energy, food production, and nature restoration. Yet, it is also part of a much larger ecosystem; the North-East Atlantic Ocean. Its protection is coordinated through the OSPAR Convention, a cooperation between fifteen governments and the European Union.
OSPAR is the mechanism through which governments collaborate to protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic Ocean. The convention was signed in Paris in 1992 and merges earlier agreements on preventing pollution from both sea-based and land-based sources. Today, OSPAR forms the backbone of international marine environmental protection in our region.
The participating countries (including the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, and France) align policies, share data, and set joint goals for the health of the seas.
OSPAR regularly assesses the state of the marine environment across five regions:
For each area, OSPAR examines biodiversity, ecosystems, and human pressures, such as shipping, fisheries, and energy production.
OSPAR also works to reduce pollution from:
In addition, OSPAR actively supports the restoration of biodiversity and vulnerable ecosystems, such as seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and oyster reefs.
The goals of OSPAR are closely aligned with the mission of Campus@Sea: to stimulate sustainable innovations for the multi-use of the North Sea.
Several of our test projects, research initiatives, and collaborations contribute to OSPAR’s ambitions by promoting cleaner technologies, circular materials, and nature-inclusive solutions.
By sharing knowledge between government, science, and industry, we jointly contribute to a future-proof North Sea, in line with the international commitments safeguarded by OSPAR.
Learn more:
🌐 www.ospar.org
Campus@Sea
Hellingweg 9c
2583 DZ DEN HAAG
info@campusatsea.nl