Description: This paper presents major gaps and challenges for implementing the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) in the Mediterranean region. The authors make recommendations on the scientific knowledge needs and co-design actions identified during two consultations, part of the Decade preparatory-phase, framing them in the Mediterranean Sea’s unique environmental and socio-economic perspectives. According to the ‘Mediterranean State of the Environment and Development Report 2020’ by the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan and despite notable progress, the Mediterranean region is not on track to achieve and fully implement the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030. Key factors are the cumulative effect of multiple human-induced pressures that threaten the ecosystem resources and services in the global change scenario. The basin, identified as a climate change vulnerability hotspot, is exposed to pollution and rising impacts of climate change. This affects mainly the coastal zones, at increasing risk of extreme events and their negative effects of unsustainable management of key economic assets. Transitioning to a sustainable blue economy is the key for the marine environment’s health and the nourishment of future generations. This challenging context, offering the opportunity of enhancing the knowledge to define science-based measures as well as narrowing the gaps between the Northen and Southern shores, calls for a joint (re)action. The paper reviews the state of the art of Mediterranean Sea science knowledge, sets of trends, capacity development needs, specific challenges, and recommendations for each Decade’s societal outcome. In the conclusions, the proposal for a Mediterranean regional programme in the framework of the Ocean Decade is addressed. The core objective relies on integrating and improving the existing ocean-knowledge, Ocean Literacy, and ocean observing capacities building on international cooperation to reach the “Mediterranean Sea that we want”.

Description: Published

Description: e21031

Description: 4A. Oceanografia e clima

Description: JCR Journal

Description: A report on sustainability issues and long-term implementation plan for IAOOS. National and European plans for long-term implementation (organization, funding, role of the different nations, EU, role and international partners) of the Atlantic observing system will be prepared.

Description: Dissemination of project’s results and engagement with stakeholders towards a sustained results’ exploitation are intrinsically evolving. The vision of the project’s dissemination at the start of it should evolve as the activities progress. This plan presents an update on the EuroSea dissemination plans as seen a year after the kick-off.

Description: This document outlines the main communication objectives, messages, audiences, and tools of the EuroSea project

Description: EuroSea is a holistic large-scale project encompassing the full value chain of marine knowledge, from observations to modelling and forecasting and to user-focused services. This report summarizes the legacy of EuroSea as planned and measured through a dedicated impact monitoring protocol, a holistic assessment of the project's successes in advancing and integrating European ocean observing and forecasting systems. Since its start, EuroSea has been analysing how well the project progresses towards the identified areas of impact. Impact assessment is not performance evaluation. These terms overlap but are distinct: performance relates to the efficient use of resources; impact relates to the transformative effect on the users. The EuroSea legacy report is presented through an aggregation and analysis of the EuroSea work towards achieving its impacts. Overall, over 100 impacts have been identified and presented on the website and in a stand-alone impact report. The legacy report sheds light on 32 most powerful impacts (four impacts in each of the eight EuroSea impact areas). EuroSea Impact Areas: 1. Strengthen the European Ocean Observing System (EOOS), support the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and the GOOS Regional Alliances; 2. Increase ocean data sharing and integration; 3. Deliver improved climate change predictions; 4. Build capacity, internally in EuroSea and externally with EuroSea users, in a range of key areas; 5. Develop innovations, including exploitation of novel ideas or concepts; shorten the time span between research and innovation and foster economic value in the blue economy; 6. Facilitate methodologies, best practices, and knowledge transfer in ocean observing and forecasting; 7. Contribute to policy making in research, innovation, and technology; 8. Raise awareness of the need for a fit for purpose, sustained, observing and forecasting system in Europe. Ocean observing and forecasting is a complex activity brining about a variety of technologies, human expertise, in water and remote sensing measurements, high-volume computing and artificial intelligence, and a high degree of governance and coordination. Determining an impact on a user type or an area, therefore, requires a holistic assessment and a clear strategic overview. The EuroSea impact monitoring protocol has been the first known such attempt in a European ocean observing and forecasting project. The project’s progress has been followed according to the identified impact areas, through consortium workshops, stakeholder webinars, tracking, and reporting. At the end of EuroSea, we are able to demonstrate how well we have responded to the European policy drivers set out in the funding call and the grant agreement of our project, signed between the European Commission and 53 organizations, members of the EuroSea consortium. The project's impact is diverse, spanning areas from strengthening ocean observing governance to contributing to policymaking or boosting ocean research, innovation, and technology. Each impact area underscores EuroSea's commitment to a sustainable and informed approach to ocean observing and forecasting for enhanced marine knowledge and science-based sustainable blue economy and policies.

Description: This report provides an overview of EuroSea's initiatives focused on engaging the next generation of ocean observing and forecasting stakeholders. Many activities took place, including delivering workshops, presenting the EuroSea itinerant exhibition, collaborating with the WASCAL Floating University and the SEA-EU inter-university initiative, supporting the international Ocean Observers Initiative, and much more. Engaging the next generation of stakeholders in meaningful discussions and innovative projects is essential to ensure future-oriented intergenerational collaboration. Yet, this is often an overlooked aspect of public engagement within the Horizon 2020 landscape as it requires engagement techniques specifically tailored to reach the young generation. Within the framework of Horizon 2020, the European Union's research and innovation funding program, public engagement traditionally targets a diverse range of stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, civil society organizations, NGOs, and citizens. While these efforts are crucial for fostering inclusive and transparent dialogue, targeted initiatives directed towards the younger generation and early-career ocean professionals need to be expanded. It is important to recognize the concerns, unique perspectives, and aspirations of young individuals who will inherit the outcomes of today's research and innovation. Dedicating resources to engage with the next generation is vital to ensure their active involvement in shaping their future and addressing global challenges such as the sustainability of ocean observing, monitoring, and forecasting. EuroSea has recognized the importance of fostering a deeper understanding of ocean observing and forecasting among the younger generation. This deliverable and the many activities feeding into it are a testament to EuroSea's commitment to this cause. This report focuses on the lessons learnt from a diverse array of activities engaging the next generation of ocean observing and forecasting stakeholders, demonstrating the extensive range of possibilities for involving the younger generation. It underscores the importance of tailoring approaches to different age groups, from school children to university graduates and adapting engagement strategies to their varying interests and life stages. Every experience—even the ones that did not turn out as expected—has shown to be beneficial, and it is important to share lessons learnt and identify best practices while expanding these kinds of initiatives. EuroSea's dedication to engaging the next generation of stakeholders is a significant step in fostering inter-generational dialogue and promoting blue skills and knowledge sharing. Valuable lessons have been learnt from the EuroSea engagement activities and provide guidance for future initiatives aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of our ocean among the younger generation and engaging them in conversations that impact their future on this planet.

Description: The overall goal of this report is to analyse the EuroSea itinerant exhibition as a case study of public engagement activity. Aimed at the general public, this modular and itinerant exhibition raises awareness about the EuroSea project while also promoting ocean literacy and highlighting the importance of ocean observing and forecasting. Public engagement plays a crucial role in Horizon 2020, the EU's research and innovation funding program. It aims to bridge the gap between researchers and society, ensuring that their work is aligned with societal needs and values. This involves bringing together various stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, civil society organizations, NGOs, and citizens, to foster inclusive and transparent dialogue. The benefits of public engagement are evident in the research and innovation process. It stimulates creativity and innovation, brings ocean science to a broader audience, builds trust and credibility and promotes ocean literacy and empowerment among citizens. Within Horizon 2020, the EuroSea Communication Work Package 8 focuses on public engagement activities related to ocean observing and forecasting, among other activities. To raise awareness about the EuroSea project and ocean observation, the EuroSea itinerant exhibition was created. This exhibition features printed panels, audiovisuals, and a photobooth that could be adapted and translated for different locations. The exhibition has been presented at 8 events and locations across Europe, aiming to engage the general public, promote ocean literacy, and emphasize the importance of ocean observation and forecasting. This report specifically focuses on three events targeted to the general public where the EuroSea exhibition was showcased: 1) 2022 European Researcher’s Night. 2022, September 30th in Palma (Mallorca, Spain); 2) 25th Galway Science & Technology Festival. 2022, November 13th in Galway (Ireland); and 3) 10th ‘Science for all’. 2023, May 11-13th in Palma (Mallorca, Spain). To evaluate the impact of the EuroSea exhibition, an online survey was conducted. The survey assessed visitor satisfaction, knowledge acquisition, interest in the topic, prior knowledge of EuroSea and ocean observation, and preferences for future engagement activities. A total of 41 people participated in the survey. The main results obtained from the analysis of the data demonstrate an overall positive satisfaction with the exhibition and a high level of interest in the topic. Participants reported acquiring new knowledge and expressed a desire for future engagement activities. Additionally, the survey provided valuable demographic insights into the participants, including their age, gender, employment status, educational background, and frequency of engagement in ocean science outreach activities. The findings from the survey will contribute to the improvement of future public engagement activities by better understanding the needs and interests of the public regarding ocean observation and forecasting. This document emphasizes the significance of public engagement in research and innovation, specifically within the EuroSea project. The EuroSea itinerant exhibition was developed to raise awareness and promote ocean literacy, while the survey conducted during the exhibition provided valuable insights into participant satisfaction and preferences. This information will be instrumental in enhancing future engagement efforts.

Description: This deliverable is intended to give an overview of the EuroSea actions at the interface between science and policy, ensuring the EuroSea results are useful for policy and decision-makers both at the EU, regional, and national levels.

Description: This deliverable is intended to give an overview of the EuroSea actions at the interface between science and policy, ensuring the EuroSea results are useful for policy and decision-makers both at the EU, regional, and national levels.