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This call is part of a Joint Programming Initiative for healthy and productive seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans) and the national contact point is Xjenza Malta (XM).

Through this initiative, Malta is able to participate in the pioneering "Proof of Concept" call under the JPI Oceans framework, focusing on the scientific exploration of Offshore Freshened Groundwater (OFG)—a promising but unconventional water resource.

The call aims to generate critical data on the distribution, recharge mechanisms, and long-term viability of OFG, laying the essential groundwork for sustainable future management and potential utilization.

Funding: Maltese-based entities are eligible to apply for funds up to EUR 300,000 per project to join international consortia addressing the following knowledge gaps for the programme's priorities listed further below.

Knowledge Gaps to Address for Theme 1 and Theme 2

• Data scarcity and inconsistency: generating systematic and comprehensive data on OFG properties and dynamics.
• Environmental, technological, and economic feasibility: assessing the environmental impacts and evaluating the technological and economic viability of potential OFG utilisation.
• Legal and governance frameworks: informing and potentially contributing to the development of guidelines and regulatory frameworks for the integration of OFG exploration and exploitation into existing regimes.

The following themes are identified as priorities for the Joint Call:

Theme 1 is focused on the Characterisation, validation, and assessment of OFG bodies. Through an innovative scientific exploration campaign, this theme will address knowledge gaps on:

• Functioning of OFG systems and onshore-offshore connectivity.
• Age of emplacement of OFG bodies
• Hydraulic and hydrogeologic properties
• Potential environmental impacts from OFG utilisation

Theme 2 is focused on the Environmental Assessment of Offshore Freshened Groundwater Seeps (Developing robust environmental baselines) through

• Seep characterisation and functioning mechanisms
• Seep-related ecosystems characterisation (bio-geochemical aspects)
• Comprehensive monitoring protocols

Participating countries include , , , including contributions in kind from ,. The geographical spread of the proposed research should include the North Adriatic Sea (preferentially in the offshore of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region) but is not limited to it and may also cover other European Marine basins, such as the Mediterranean Sea, the North Sea, and the Baltic Sea. This Joint Action is co-branded with the .

This is a single-stage call. Please use this call page as a guide and consult the  by JPI Oceans, as well as the  by Xjenza Malta for all the necessary details about the priorities for the call and the conditions of eligibility of Maltese entities in this funding scheme.