KIMO is proud to announce that it has become an official co-signatory to the #MakeEUBlue: Cities in Action campaign. This initiative, developed by the EU4Ocean Coalition and supported by the European Commission, empowers citizens and municipalities to take concrete steps towards a healthier, more sustainable future for our rivers and ocean.
The #MakeEUBlue campaign is a dynamic, citizen-driven movement designed to translate public concern for the marine environment into tangible local action. It calls on residents across Europe to sign a petition urging their city or municipal council to commit to ocean sustainability. As a network of municipalities long dedicated to protecting the marine environment, KIMO’s decision to co-sign the campaign underscores our shared commitment to amplifying this critical message and engaging more local authorities in this vital agenda.
How the #MakeEUBlue Campaign Works
The campaign provides a clear, step-by-step pathway for citizen engagement, ensuring that every signature makes a difference. As support grows within a community, the campaign escalates its outreach to local elected officials:
- 50 Signatures: The campaign contacts local officials, providing them with the “Guide for Cities to Act.”
- 100 Signatures: A follow-up email is sent as a reminder to act.
- 250 Signatures: Officials are notified of the growing citizen demand for a response.
- 500 Signatures: A fourth message is sent, featuring inspirational examples of ocean action from pioneering cities across Europe.
- 1,000 Signatures: The campaign works with local leaders to organise a community event, bringing citizens and officials together to plan next steps.
“This campaign perfectly aligns with KIMO’s core mission,” said KIMO President, Preben Friis-Hauge. “For decades, our member municipalities have been at the forefront of local marine protection. By co-signing #MakeEUBlue, we are lending our voice to a powerful Europe-wide effort that empowers both citizens and their local governments to become stewards of our blue planet. We hope that the involvement of KIMO’s member municipalities will inspire broader action and encourage all municipalities with a river or a coastline to get involved.”
A Practical Guide for Municipal Action
A key resource of the campaign is titled “Acting on our rivers and ocean: a short guide for cities“. This comprehensive document outlines practical measures municipalities can implement. The guide covers actionable strategies across key areas such as waste management, urban mobility, coastal planning, and public awareness, providing a clear roadmap for cities ready to make a difference.
From reducing land-based pollution that flows into rivers and seas to promoting sustainable blue economies, the guide (which will be regularly updated) offers a wealth of ideas to help municipalities translate commitment into action.
Join the Movement
KIMO calls upon its member municipalities as well as partner organisations, municipalities and citizens across Europe to actively support the #MakeEUBlue campaign and help us to spread the word about this inspiring initiative….. Visit the official campaign page on the European Maritime Forum to learn more and see how you can get your city involved.
Together, we can turn the tide for our ocean. Let’s #MakeEUBlue.
About KIMO:
KIMO is a network of 75+ local authorities working together for healthy seas, clean beaches, and thriving coastal communities. Our members span the North-East Atlantic, North Sea, Irish Sea and Baltic Sea united by a common goal to protect the marine environment.
About the EU4Ocean Coalition:
The EU4Ocean Coalition, supported by the European Commission, connects diverse organisations, projects, and people to strengthen ocean literacy and the sustainable management of the ocean. With over 1200 marine and maritime stakeholders and young ocean advocates, it serves as a central platform for collaborative action across Europe.