DNA TO POLICY: SHAPING BIODIVERSITY MONITORING FOR A SUSTAINABLE EUROPE
DNA TO POLICY:
SHAPING BIODIVERSITY MONITORING FOR A SUSTAINABLE EUROPE
Hosted by MEP Paulo DO NASCIMENTO CABRAL, First Vice-Chair of the Committee on Fisheries, SEArica Vice-Chair for Fisheries, Aquaculture, Marine Biological Resources and blue Technologies
Organised with the support of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions
30 June 2026 – 14:00 to 16:00
European Parliament, Spinelli A5F385, Brussels
Following 3 years of implementation, the SEArica Intergroup will host the final event of the eDNAqua-Plan, an EU funded project under the framework of Horizon Europe that aims to strengthen Europe’s ability to utilise DNA-based monitoring tools in its monitoring and observation efforts of aquatic biodiversity by proposing an aquatic eDNA FAIR-based digital ecosystem that facilitates the sharing and access to reference material that supports biodiversity monitoring in marine and freshwater ecosystems. This major project seeks to strengthen the implementation of key EU frameworks, including the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Water Framework Directive, the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, Europe’s contribution to the Essential Biological and Ocean Variables (GOOS & GEO BON) and the EU’s broader ocean governance agenda. The project’s final event will focus on the scientific and policy implications of the project’s findings and its future implementation, highlight opportunities for EU-level uptake of aquatic eDNA-based monitoring, and contribute to ongoing parliamentary reflections on aquatic biodiversity protection.
Event Properties
| Event Date | 30-06-2026 14:00 |
| Event End Date | 30-06-2026 16:00 |
| Location | European Parliament Brussels |
| Categories | Conférence 2025-2029 |
| Attachment | 30062026_Agenda SEArica final - eDNAqua-Plan.pdf |
the SEArica intergroup is re-established
Brussels, February 2025
Charting a new course: the Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas Intergroup (SEArica) is re-established in the European Parliament
Continuing its longstanding mission since 2009, the Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas (SEArica) intergroup has been successfully re-established as one of the 28 intergroups of the European Parliament. SEArica unites Members of the European Parliament who share a commitment to elevating seas, oceans, and coastal challenges to the top of the European political agenda.
This re-establishment comes at a decisive moment for European maritime policies. By unveiling a European vision with the European Ocean Pact ahead of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025, Europe must lead the way toward ambitious international ocean governance. The European Ocean Pact was first announced by President von der Leyen in her political guidelines for 2024-2029, and later confirmed in the mission letter of Commissioner Costas Kadis.
“The European Ocean Pact is a great opportunity to strengthen our sovereignty, protect the environment, support sustainable jobs in the blue economy, and empower our coastal and island communities. To achieve this, we need an open dialogue with different political forces and stakeholders. The SEArica intergroup is the platform for such dialogue. Our launch event for the intergroup has shown that we can unite behind the European Ocean Pact. This pact can be a win-win for NGOs, industries, policymakers, and citizens alike,” declared Christophe Clergeau, Chair of SEArica Intergroup.
“Tonight, we gave the floor to representatives and stakeholders with different perspectives, yet united in the aim of shaping an ambitious European Ocean Pact—one that goes beyond mere promises, one that delivers results. This evening marks the beginning of a ‘blue coalition’ working towards this common goal,” added Christophe Clergeau.
The re-established intergroup will bring together co-legislators, policymakers, stakeholders, and experts to work collaboratively on maritime and coastal challenges. In the presence of the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis, and Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for the United Nations Ocean Conference, Ambassador for the Poles and Oceans, Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, the SEArica’s inaugural event took place on February 5 in Brussels, setting sail on a new, timely journey for SEArica.
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What is an Intergroup?
The Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas Intergroup is one of the 28 Intergroups that were approved in December 2024 by the Conference of Presidents for the 10th legislature of the European Parliament. Intergroups can be formed by MEPs from any political group and any parliamentary committee with a view to holding informal exchanges of views on particular issues and promoting contact between MEPs and civil society.
