METAVASEA

People-centred transition for Maritime Decarbonisation in the East Mediterranean

In a nutshel

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted in July 2023, a revised strategy that includes an enhanced common ambition to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by 2050 and a commitment to ensure the uptake of alternative zero and near-zero GHG fuels by 2030. Maritime transport contributed in 2018 to 2.9% of global emissions caused by human activities, while in 2021, at the EU level, it contributed to 3 to 4% of the EU’s total CO2 emissions.

The 5-year long METAVASEA “People-Centered Transition for Maritime Decarbonization in the East Mediterranean” project, led by the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA) and supported by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, aims to contribute to the implementing the IMO ambition in the East Mediterranean.

MIO-ECSDE, as partner to the project will bring into the project its experience working in the Mediterranean region on the science-policy-society interface, networking, synergy-building, awareness-raising and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), capacity building of wide-ranging stakeholders, and capitalization and transferring.

Project duration: October 2023 –September 2028 (59 months)

Project budget: 670,000 €

Goals

The overall objectives of METAVASEA are to:

  • Provide a region-specific overview of the state of play with regard to maritime decarbonization
  • Identify necessary skills and competencies to support the green/digital transition
  • Develop flexible training/ upskilling/ reskilling toolkits for seafarers, port workers, and administrators
  • Raise climate awareness of marine communities in the East Mediterranean

Activities

METAVASEA aims to reach its goal by:

  • Conducting a research study on maritime decarbonization in the East Mediterranean
  • Mapping of skills and competencies needed onboard ships and in ports for the transformation of the human capital in parallel with technological advancements
  • Strengthening the awareness of marine communities in the East Mediterranean on the urgency to step up the pace for Maritime Decarbonization in the region through joint action and wide synergy
  • Dissemination, communication & and outreach activities
Check out METAVASEA website

MIO-ECDSE & MEdIES role in the project 

Metavasea @COP24 of Barcelona Convention, Dec 2025

Together HELMEPA, the Mediterranean Youth Group (MYG), the Be2aty Project and UfM, MIO-ECSDE co-organised a side event within the COP24 of the Barcelona Convention, entitled “Navigating a Sustainable Mediterranean: Cultivating New Skills, Empowering Youth & Building Partnerships for Maritime Decarbonization”. Read more

METAVASEA Train-of-Trainers in 3 cities. Nov-Dec 2025

This series of courses aims to empower educators with accurate knowledge, data, and ready-to-use pedagogical tools to teach climate change with confidence and optimism. The first three courses took place in Chalkida, Drapetsona and Patras in the last months of 2025.

Read more. 

METAVASEA Train-of Trainers Cont'ED in 3 more cities, 2026

 The ToTs continued in early 2026. Through interactive & playful discussions and videos, participants of the ToTs are equipped to translate complex climate issues into meaningful, action-oriented learning experiences that inspire students to understand, care, and act for a sustainable future.

Read more. 

The partnership