A common path for the ocean - EU Mission Ocean gathered the best forces during two days in Nyborg

Calling out for a common path for the ocean, moderator Dorothy Dankel kicked off the Danish EU Presidency – Mission Ocean and Waters conference at Hotel Nyborg Tuesday and Wednesday this week, hosted by Syddansk Universitet - University of Southern Denmark and co-hosted by DTU Aqua.

Two engaging days with passionate speakers from the worlds of politicians and officials from both the EU Commission and the Danish Parliament, as well as NGOs, researchers and stakeholders from the business community addressing all the important issues about restoring and preserving the waters and oceans and marine life.

Hosts during the conference Christian Riisager-Simonsen from DTU Aqua and H. Cecilie Petersen from SDU wrap up the conference days this way >> 

🐟 Over two impactful days, we united all Danish universities and a wide range of national actors around a common goal to showcase the strengths of the DK Mission Ocean & Waters community

🐟Engaged in curated dialogue with European Mission Ocean & Waters community on how to tackle Mission objectives

🐟Generated fresh ideas to power the next phase of the Mission, aligned with evolving EU policies such as the Ocean (P)Act and an increasing intergenerational aspect.

Rector of University of Southern Denmark Jens Ringsmose as well as DTU’s Provost Christine Nellemann both gave opening talks hoping the conference would bring about initiatives that “shape the future of our oceans” as Jens Ringmose expressed it, and create the “next waves of actions” as Christine Nelleman said.

The young ones

An important part of the EU Mission Ocean days was marked by the participation of a large group of high school students who were invited to let the EU Commission hear young people's opinions and ideas on how we can achieve the EU's mission to save our marine and freshwater areas as well as how the Ocean Mission can engage with young people. 

DTU Aqua's Rikke Bucholtz was in charge of recruiting, supporting and guiding the students through the conference and hard work to wrap up on days and prepare questions for the participants and panel discussions. 

The students among other things asked for "less talk and more action", and wished for a common platform where ideas can be shared and engagement can take place.