CO-WATERS: More services open

CO-WATERS | More services open: First Working Group meeting, Training modules and Blue Climathons

CO-WATERS continues to roll out its service offer to the Coalition of cities, regions, islands and ports for the Mission Ocean and Waters. Three opportunities are currently open for members to get involved.

Working Groups: First meeting on Policy and Governance in Action

Members can register to join the CO-WATERS Working Groups, the Coalition's spaces for peer exchange, joint reflection and shared learning on the local blue transitions. 

The first Working Group meeting on Policy and Governance in Action (co-organised by ERRIN) will take place on  22 October 2026 at 11:00–12:30 CEST. ERRIN Members are encouraged to join to know more about the EU policy landscape around ocean and water (Water Resilience Strategy, EU Ocean Pact and Ocean and Water R&I Strategy) and discuss how the objectives of the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030 can be translated at local and regional levels. Registration can be done here and the link to the event notice is here.

Other thematic Working Groups will gradually open: Capacity Building for Change, Stakeholder and Citizen Engagement, Mobilising Finance for Impact and Credibility and Recognition. Members interested in joining other Working Groups can fill out this form to stay up to date (timely communications only). 

Capacity Building Programme: Next training on Multi-actor Co-creation Processes to take place between October and December 2026

The next training of the CO-WATERS Capacity Building Programme will focus on Multi-actor Co-creation Processes, helping participants develop the knowledge and practical skills to involve different stakeholders in shaping sustainable and systemic blue transition processes.

The training combines expert guidance and peer learning, free of charge over 4–6 weeks.

Trainings 3 and 4 are also open for registration, so you can choose the ones that best match your needs and priorities: 

  • Facilitation Skills for Stakeholder Engagement : January–February 2027
  • Technical Skills: Sustainable Finance: March–May 2027

Deadline extended: Blue Climathons

Applications are still open for the CO-WATERS Blue Climathons: local innovation hackathons bringing citizens and stakeholders together to tackle water-related challenges. Selected organisers receive a free structured training programme, access to Climathon branding and resources, ongoing expert support, and a peer community of fellow organisers, including 1:1 support during preparation.

Interested members with a water-related challenge to address are invited to apply by 15 October. Register here.