Pure Ocean's main mission is to mobilize civil society in support of ambitious and innovative scientific projects aimed at the protection of biodiversity and fragile marine ecosystems. The fund is focused on harnessing technological, ecological, or social innovations to preserve marine environments, alongside raising public awareness about endangered ecosystems through various means including conferences, promotional events, and environmental initiatives.
The grant program follows the United Nations' 10 Ocean Decade Challenges and is centered on four major themes: understanding and combating marine pollution, protecting biodiversity along with restoring degraded marine ecosystems, bolstering resilience of marine ecosystems and communities against climate change, and enhancing ocean-system knowledge. This year, special emphasis is given to projects addressing pressures on the Mediterranean Sea, polar ecosystems, plastic pollution, and nature-based solutions for marine habitat protection, such as blue carbon and food security. While projects not specifically falling under these categories but meeting eligibility criteria are still considered, the program's evaluation criteria focus on the project's impact, innovative approach, alignment with Pure Ocean Challenges, defined objectives and feasibility, collaborative engagement, and result dissemination plans. Selected projects may receive up to €40,000 per year for one to two years, with a possible renewal for exceptional initiatives.