In a landmark move for ocean regeneration and urban resilience, Athens has become the inaugural city to sign the “Blue Cities Manifesto,” officially joining the “Blue Cities Alliance.”
This global initiative is championed by renowned ocean advocate Alexandra Cousteau, the granddaughter of the legendary Jacques-Yves Cousteau and co-founder of Oceans 2050.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas underscored the city’s deep connection to the sea, stating:
“The sea has always shaped Athens—our history, our culture, and our identity. Today, as we face increasingly intense climate and environmental challenges, it is time to let the sea shape our future. By joining the Blue Cities Alliance, we commit to leading by example and demonstrating that environmental responsibility, business-friendly economic policy, and city pride can coexist.”
With Athens leading the charge, the Alliance is now set to embark on its global journey, inviting other cities to join in the coming months, with its official launch slated for the fall. Alexandra Cousteau expressed her honor at Athens taking this pivotal first step. “This moment is not just symbolic—it is a message that cities can and must lead the way in restoring marine life and shaping a more resilient future for all,” she emphasized.
Highlighting the stark reality of marine degradation, she added:
“Today, 50 percent of life in the oceans has been lost. We must rebuild and protect them. We just have to do it differently than we have done before. We have to move from protecting the oceans to rebuilding life in them. This is a significant shift.”
Empowering cities for a healthier ocean
At its core, the Blue Cities vision champions active citizen participation as crucial for meaningful city-level transformation. The Alliance believes ocean regeneration transcends mere politics; it’s about inspiring and empowering communities to forge a more vibrant, resilient, and inclusive future. In each “Blue City,” the initiative will cultivate local pride, strengthen cultural ties to the sea, and harness citizen engagement as a driving force for lasting change.
To realize this vision, the Alliance will equip cities with scientific expertise, policy tools, technological solutions, and cross-sector partnerships designed to transform climate risks into opportunities. It aims to bolster local initiatives, bridge innovation with practical solutions, and unite mayors, businesses, scientists, NGOs, and citizens under a shared agenda: building healthier cities and healthier oceans, together.
About the Blue Cities Alliance
A project of Oceans 2050, the Blue Cities Alliance empowers mayors and city leaders to undertake bold, coordinated actions for ocean regeneration and urban resilience. Coastal cities and river capitals are on the front lines of climate change and economic disruption.
As home to over a billion people and hubs of innovation, commerce, and culture, these cities are uniquely positioned to lead this crucial transition. The Blue Cities Alliance exists to help them not just survive but truly thrive.
The Blue Cities Manifesto outlines a shared vision for coastal cities: one in which ocean health is central to climate change adaptation, economic renewal, and the empowerment of local communities. While not a legal agreement, it serves as a public commitment to bold leadership, practical action, and shared values.