Socio-economic empowerment of the users of the sea

The multi- and trans-disciplinary proposals should undertake a thorough analysis of gaps in ocean literacy, marine environment connectedness like monetary and non-monetary values of the marine environment, socio-economic vulnerability and resilience (including gender-related) and preparedness for the social transition of coastal communities and stakeholders in order to advance understanding of the preconditions and success factors for social transition and nature-based social innovation. Proposals should deal with environmental and socio-economic challenges related to coastal climate adaptation and mitigation, coastal pollution, coastal ecology, coastal habitability and entrepreneurship, blue spaces and well-being, coastal (eco)tourism and cultural events, coastal food and energy production and consumption among others. Proposals should identify opportunities based on coastal ecosystem services and active engagement and participation of the users of the sea in designing, implementing and maintaining nature-based solutions (including monitoring activities on the performance and impacts of the solutions), taking into account cultural heritage aspects where relevant. SSH approaches should serve through a multi-actor approach to orient and contextualise coastal STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) activities related to the above-mentioned challenges in terms of social and economic impact as well as in terms of the deep impact of human behaviour, culture (including indigenous knowledge and practices) and history (including religion literacy) on all societal innovation and integrated sustainable coastal zone development and management. Proposals should engage or create appropriate multi-stakeholder platforms who should jointly evaluate cultural, societal and economic marine or coastal practices that are not compatible with sustainability principles, avoiding duplication with other projects, existing initiatives or platforms. They should jointly identify required cultural and societal changes for a sustainable use of the sea, design transition mechanisms and identify the means to achieve necessary changes. Attention needs to be given to different learning arrangements (e.g. multi-actor networks, producer-consumer association, hybrid innovative networks, territorial alliances, twinning approaches) as well as to innovative governance mechanisms at various levels, and their potential implications for social transition and nature-based social innovation. Activities should cover diverse types of coastal areas across the EU and Associated Countries and non-European (Black Sea and Mediterranean) countries. In line with the objectives of the EU Global Approach to Research and Innovation[[Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the Global Approach to Research and Innovation. Europe's strategy for international cooperation in a changing world. https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/research_and_innovation/strategy_on_research_and_innovation/documents/ec_rtd_com2021-252.pdf]], proposals are strongly encouraged to include third country participants, especially those established in Black Sea and Mediterranean countries.

This topic should involve the effective contribution of SSH disciplines.

The involvement of sea-based businesses, and economic and local development bodies is required to implement the multi-actor approach (cf eligibility conditions). Engaging with managing authorities of European Structural and Investment Funds during the project would help increase implementation of the project outcomes and support further uptake.

Projects should build on existing knowledge and integrate results from multiple origins, including other EU, international or national projects. Some cooperation activities with projects financed under Destination ‘Biodiversity and ecosystem services’ and topics of the Green Deal Call could be included, as well as with relevant projects from other EU programmes or with relevant EU initiatives and thematic networks.

This topic should be linked to the Horizon Europe Missions Ocean, seas and waters and Adaptation to Climate Change including Societal Transformation, the Partnership for a climate neutral, sustainable and productive Blue Economy, the Biodiversity Partnership or other partnerships where relevant.

Social innovation[[https://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/policy/innovation/social_en]] is recommended when the solution is at the socio-technical interface and requires social change, new social practices, social ownership or market uptake.

The possible participation of the JRC[[For the participation of the JRC, see General Annex B.]] in the project will consist of contributing to the analysis of patterns and practice of participation of local and urban communities into place-based ecosystems developing integrated sustainable development strategies and action.