The concept of a Digital Twin represents a cutting-edge approach to ocean conservation, leveraging the explosion of data from various sources and advanced computing technologies. A Digital Twin is essentially a digital replica of a physical entity, enabling users to access high-quality information, services, models, scenarios, forecasts, and visualizations. In ocean conservation, this concept is pursued through initiatives like the EU’s Destination Earth (DestinE) and the G7 Future of the Seas and Oceans Initiative. By integrating continuous observation, modelling, and high-performance simulation, Digital Twins provide accurate predictions of future developments, essential for managing the impacts of climate change and pollution on marine environments. Recent European Commission-funded projects, such as ILIAD, IMMERSE, and BLUE-CLOUD, are foundational efforts toward developing the Digital Twin of the Ocean (DTO), which aims to offer valuable knowledge to stakeholders, from citizens to policymakers.

The EFFECTIVE project is actively aligning with the principles of the Digital Twin concept to enhance ocean conservation efforts. By integrating existing knowledge and data from European aggregators like SeaDataNet, EMODnet, and Copernicus Marine Service, we are developing the Digital Twin of Blue Parks. This Digital Twin will utilize geospatial databases covering various marine and climatic components to provide comprehensive insights into the state of marine environments. Our collaboration with expert partners ensures that accurate data is delivered to feed into the models, supporting the creation of a prototype Digital Twin for selected blue parks.

Our ambition is to capitalize on the extensive knowledge and results from relevant projects to advance the Digital Twin of Blue Parks. By leveraging EO data and geospatial databases, we aim to cover aspects such as the water column, sea floor, cetacean distribution, and climatic components. This initiative will help us deliver innovative tools and strategies for restoring and preserving marine and coastal habitats. Through our partnership with MARIS, ETT, FORTH, DHI, CMMI, we ensure that the correct data is integrated into existing services, enhancing our efforts to support a sustainable blue economy.