This event presents the results of a Europe-wide consultation led by Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Youth Hubs in Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Turkey. Drawing on insights from over 150 survey responses, complemented by targeted interviews, the project explores how Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are understood, perceived, and experienced by citizens from diverse social and professional backgrounds across several EU countries, with a particular focus on people connected to ocean and maritime activities.
Organised by Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Youth Leaders, in partnership with Seas At Risk, and hosted by Member of the European Parliament Paulo Nascimento Cabral at the European Parliament, the findings will be shared with policy-makers, civil society, and stakeholders to support more inclusive and socially informed EU ocean policy discussions.
Location: European Parliament, Room SPINELLI 5F385
Date & Time: 5 March 2026, 13:30–15:30 CET
Organizers: Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Hubs
In partnership with: Seas At Risk
Hosted by: Member of the European Parliament, Paulo Nascimento Cabral
Program Overview
13:30 – 13:40 | Arrival & Welcome Coffee
13:40 – 13:50 | Opening Remarks
13:50 – 14:05 | Project Presentation: Citizens’ Perceptions of MPAs
14:05 – 14:55 | Panel Discussion: Social Acceptance and Governance of MPAs
14:55 – 15:00 | Key Takeaways & Closing Remarks
15:00 – 15:30 | Informal Networking & Coffee
Posted on: 24 February 2026
