Where Ocean Literacy meets local governance

BlueGOV Pilot Sites are the local spaces where the project’s Ocean Literacy approach is connected to real coastal governance contexts.

Located across the Baltic, Atlantic and Mediterranean regions, the Pilot Sites bring together coastal authorities, community actors, educators, researchers, civil society organisations, businesses and other local stakeholders. They provide a setting for testing, discussing and refining how Ocean Literacy can support better decision-making for coastal areas. Rather than acting only as locations for project activities, the Pilot Sites function as learning and exchange spaces. They help translate Ocean Literacy from a concept into practical tools, shared understanding and locally relevant action.

Our Pilot Sites

Baltic Sea Region

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Southeast Rügen, Germany

The Baltic Sea Pilot Site is connected to a coastal region where environmental protection, local identity, tourism and community life are closely linked to the sea. Coordinated by the University of Greifswald, this site explores how Ocean Literacy can support local governance and public engagement in a Baltic context.

Atlantic Region

Municipality of Oeiras, Portugal

The Atlantic Pilot Site is developed with the Municipality of Oeiras, with the support of ANP|WWF. It brings an Atlantic perspective to the BlueGOV approach, with a strong focus on participation, environmental awareness and the relationship between coastal governance and local communities.

Mediterranean Region

Public Institution Nature of Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia

The Mediterranean Pilot Site is coordinated by the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Croatia. It is rooted in a coastal context where marine conservation, tourism, fisheries, education and local development are deeply interconnected.

What happens in the Pilot Sites?

Each Pilot Site is centered on capacity building, practical learning and stakeholder dialogue. Activities are designed to help participants engage with the BlueGOV training programme and toolbox, reflect on their local context and discuss how Ocean Literacy can be integrated into everyday governance and community work.

Participants are invited to:

Explore the BlueGOV training materials and toolbox
Take part in interactive Ocean Literacy activities
Discuss coastal challenges from different perspectives
Exchange experiences with other local and regional stakeholders
Identify practical ways to apply Ocean Literacy in their work
Contribute feedback that supports the improvement of BlueGOV resources

The Pilot Sites use non-formal and collaborative methods, including role-based exercises, group reflection and practical problem-solving. By considering the perspectives of policymakers, scientists, residents, tourism operators, educators and local organisations, participants are encouraged to find common ground and develop shared responses to coastal challenges.

From local experience
to European impact

The BlueGOV Pilot Sites connect local experience with European-level learning. Insights gathered across Germany, Portugal and Croatia support the refinement of the project’s training materials, toolbox and recommendations for coastal authorities.

By working across three different sea basins, BlueGOV captures a range of coastal realities and governance needs. This makes the project results more adaptable and relevant for other territories interested in placing Ocean Literacy at the heart of coastal decision-making.

The Pilot Sites therefore act both as testing grounds and as examples of how Ocean Literacy can be brought into local governance, community engagement and long-term coastal sustainability.