The 2021 edition of the European Maritime Day is looking to gather information about coastal events between April and October this year.
Organisers can submit details of their (online) European Maritime Day events to the European Commission. As a reward, the Commission is offering #EMDinMyCountry gadgets and some free publicity.
Like in previous years, a wide variety of local event will be gathered under the ‘EMD In My Country’ banner. As well as attracting thousands of participants, past events have raised awareness about the importance of protecting the marine environment.
This year is also the first of a United Nation’s decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. And ‘Life below water’ is one of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Our #BluePlanet: our home, our future 💙.#EMDInMyCountry kicks off: join the tide, submit your event by 28 February ➡️ https://t.co/1vw3k6hOIg#EUGreenDeal #OceanEU #BlueGrowth pic.twitter.com/vrQSM1qZ6A
— EU Maritime & Fish (@EU_MARE) January 16, 2021
What kind of events qualify?
Many different types of events or actions could qualify, for example, the EMD website lists the following:
“Beach-cleanups, guided tours of ports, art exhibitions, workshops, conferences, seminars, exhibitions on maritime themes, ocean literacy actions, eco-tours and walks in areas with significant maritime heritage, boat excursions, visits to maritime museums, ships, aquaria, shipyards etc.”
But even other actions could qualify. Especially if they have a ‘fun and game’ element that would appeal to a younger public. Above all, the events should raised awareness about the importance of protecting the marine environment.
How do I register my event?
You just need to go to the European Commission website and share some details.
What’s happening in Den Helder?
The European Maritime Day initiative also includes a two-day meeting on 20-21 May, where ‘ocean leaders’ can discuss issues of relevance to coastal communities. This year’s event will take a ‘hybrid’ approach, with a limited number of attendees if possible. However, by also hosting the conference online, it promises to be “easier than ever to join the event”.
The City of Den Helder, the Province of Noord-Holland and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management will host this year’s conference.
Learn more about the Conference.
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