BlueMissionMed’s Policy4Med Designathon is an online event dedicated to empowering local authorities in the Mediterranean to tackle one of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges: land-based sources of marine pollution.

Hosted by MedCities on July 16th, 2025 for its member cities, the Policy Designathon contributes to the European Mission Ocean’s overarching goal: restoring our oceans and waters by 2030. By presenting innovative practices and fostering dialogue around their implementation, it served as a key step in strengthening a Mediterranean innovation ecosystem rooted in practical, local-level impact.

From Knowledge to Action

Opening the event, Josep Canals, Secretary General of MedCities, emphasized the vital role of cities in leading the transition toward clean and resilient coastal environments. This message was echoed by Fedra Francocci, Project Manager at CNR and lead of BlueMissionMed, who presented the EU Mission’s objectives and the strategic support provided to cities across the basin.

Participants then heard from Francesco Camonita of the CPRM Intermediterranean Commission, who presented the BlueMissionMed catalogue of solutions—a curated collection of technologies and practices designed to mitigate marine pollution at source. His intervention also highlighted the programme’s broader support mechanisms, including mentoring and matchmaking opportunities for cities aiming to pilot or scale these innovations.

Innovation in Practice: Showcasing Technological Solutions

Central to the Designathon was a showcase of cutting-edge solutions targeting solid waste retention in urban and inland water systems:

Anna Llopart from Barcelona Water Cycle presented an advanced system implemented at sewer discharge points to prevent solid waste from entering marine environments.

Nicola Rubini from River Cleaning srls shared an innovative system tailored for rivers and inland waters, capable of continuously collecting floating waste without harming aquatic fauna or disrupting navigation.

Co-creation for Real Change

Beyond showcasing technology, the Designathon prioritized participatory dialogue. During a session moderated by Ignasi Mateo of MedWaves (UNEP/MAP Regional Activity Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production), attendees reflected on the practical barriers, opportunities, and support needs related to scaling these solutions across Mediterranean municipalities.

This exchange set the stage for a «Voices from MedCities Members» session, where local authorities shared experiences with adopting similar innovations, fostering peer-to-peer learning and inspiration.

Finally, the event revisited the BlueMissionMed support programme, reiterating the available tools and collaborative opportunities cities can leverage to become active contributors to the Mission Ocean Charter.

A Roadmap for Mediterranean Municipalities

As emphasized in the event’s closing remarks, the Policy4Med Designathon was more than a knowledge-sharing session; it was a concrete step toward embedding environmental innovation at the heart of local governance. With growing momentum and support from the BlueMissionMed framework, Mediterranean cities are now better equipped to lead efforts in pollution reduction and ocean restoration.