CO-WATERS is rolling out two key services to support members of the Coalition of cities, regions, islands and ports for the Mission Ocean and Waters in advancing their blue transition.
From strengthening skills through hands-on training to connecting with peers across Europe through structured knowledge exchange, these opportunities are designed to support real progress on the ground.
Registration for participation is now open.
Strengthening skills for the blue transition through the Capacity Building Programme
The CO-WATERS Capacity Building Programme equips Coalition members with the knowledge, methodologies, and practical tools needed to develop robust Transition Plans and, for those interested, progress towards the Mission Ocean & Waters (MOW) Label.
It includes four modular online trainings covering systems thinking, stakeholder engagement and co-creation, as well as technical skills with a focus on sustainable finance for the blue transition.
Learning is highly practical and based on real territorial challenges, combining peer exchange with hands-on exercises.
Participants will also have access to online support spaces and, where relevant, tailored mentoring.
The first edition of the programme will take place from September 2026 to April 2027, beginning with the Systems Thinking Fundamentals training in September.
Interested in building your team’s capacity? Register here!
Please note that each training requires a brief application and represents an estimated 8–15 hours of work spread over 4–6 weeks.
Learning from peers through Working Groups and Sensemaking Workshops
CO-WATERS is also preparing the launch of Thematic Working Groups and Knowledge Exchange (Sensemaking) Workshops, designed to strengthen collaboration and peer learning across the Coalition.
Working Groups will bring together cities, regions, islands and ports, along with relevant stakeholders such as universities, businesses, NGOs, investors and networks, to exchange experiences and tackle shared challenges. Topics include governance, stakeholder engagement, and funding and finance, drawing on EU and international best practices.
Annual Sensemaking Workshops will provide a space for deeper exchange, connecting insights across Working Groups and helping participants turn shared experiences into practical approaches. A first Sensemaking Workshop was organised during the Coalition Online Launch Event in June, offering participants an initial preview of this interactive approach to peer learning and collective sensemaking.
Both services will begin after the summer and will run throughout the project duration, supporting continuous learning and collaboration within the Coalition.
Join the exchange and register here!
