Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BlueGreen Governance (BlueGreen Governance)
Berichtszeitraum: 2024-01-01 bis 2025-06-30
The BlueGreen Governance (BGG) project aims to create new, science-based ways to manage the link between land and sea. It focuses on aligning marine policies with how we manage land and freshwater systems, using both scientific data and public input. To reach this goal, BGG has four main objectives: 1) Identify the political and institutional barriers that make it hard to design or apply marine policies, and find ways to overcome them; 2) Work with scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders to co-design innovative governance models; 3) Test these new models in different regions across Europe to see what works and what impact they have; 4) Support broader policy changes that connect land and sea governance beyond just the test cases. BGG aims to drive change in how marine and coastal areas are managed across Europe. It promotes governance models that reflect both scientific predictions about key environmental issues—like biodiversity loss, water quality, and climate change—and the views of local communities. To do this, BGG uses foresight methods, participatory planning, and digital tools. It will test its approach in 8 case studies across Europe and offer practical lessons on how to support institutional change and build capacity. BGG also aims to improve how science, policy, and society work together by encouraging digital innovation and inclusive decision-making. At the political level, BGG supports the EU’s environmental goals and helps implement key laws such as the Birds, Habitats, Water Framework, and Marine Strategy Framework Directives. Technologically, it promotes the use of digital tools and environmental data in line with the EU’s goal of becoming more digitally advanced.
During the first reporting period (Jan 2024–Jun 2025), BlueGreen Governance advanced its scientific and technical objectives by completing Work Packages 1 and 2 and initiating Work Package 3.
WP1 analysed institutional and socio-political barriers to marine policy implementation, applying evolutionary governance theory and systematic literature reviews supported by AI-assisted coding of over 400 scientific articles. The outputs include a comprehensive policy report and brief, identifying key enablers such as integrated planning, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and improved use of digital tools and foresight methods. The work provided an evidence base for subsequent co-design activities.
WP2 translated these insights into frameworks and tools for innovative governance. It developed a co-creative governance framework, strategic foresight methodology (combining megatrend analysis, horizon scanning, scenario building, and backcasting), and the BGG Dashboard, i.e. a dual-component digital platform (PlanWise4Blue Europe for cumulative impact assessment and ePLANETe for deliberative processes).
WP3, ongoing, applies these tools in eight European case studies. A common protocol (D3.1) established an overall guide, indicators and ex-ante evaluation methods. The first set of workshops implemented megatrend and horizon scanning analyses, engaging local stakeholders to identify key risks, vulnerabilities, and governance priorities. Preliminary evaluations provide a baseline for future scenario-building and backcasting exercises.
Key scientific outcomes include validated methodologies for multi-level governance analysis, operational foresight tools for land-sea planning, and an open-access digital platform supporting cumulative impact assessments. These outputs are already informing policy dialogues and will underpin institutional innovations and future reforms addressed in forthcoming project phases (WP4).
WP1 analysed institutional and socio-political barriers to marine policy implementation, applying evolutionary governance theory and systematic literature reviews supported by AI-assisted coding of over 400 scientific articles. The outputs include a comprehensive policy report and brief, identifying key enablers such as integrated planning, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and improved use of digital tools and foresight methods. The work provided an evidence base for subsequent co-design activities.
WP2 translated these insights into frameworks and tools for innovative governance. It developed a co-creative governance framework, strategic foresight methodology (combining megatrend analysis, horizon scanning, scenario building, and backcasting), and the BGG Dashboard, i.e. a dual-component digital platform (PlanWise4Blue Europe for cumulative impact assessment and ePLANETe for deliberative processes).
WP3, ongoing, applies these tools in eight European case studies. A common protocol (D3.1) established an overall guide, indicators and ex-ante evaluation methods. The first set of workshops implemented megatrend and horizon scanning analyses, engaging local stakeholders to identify key risks, vulnerabilities, and governance priorities. Preliminary evaluations provide a baseline for future scenario-building and backcasting exercises.
Key scientific outcomes include validated methodologies for multi-level governance analysis, operational foresight tools for land-sea planning, and an open-access digital platform supporting cumulative impact assessments. These outputs are already informing policy dialogues and will underpin institutional innovations and future reforms addressed in forthcoming project phases (WP4).
Marine governance is complex and often fragmented. Many actors, interests, and institutions operate across different regions and policy sectors, leading to poor coordination and weak decision-making. This fragmentation affects how oceans, seas, and coasts are managed and limits the ability to apply EU laws, international agreements, and innovative ideas. As a result, coastal communities can face negative impacts, such as reduced wellbeing, food insecurity, and job losses. Governance happens at multiple levels—from international commitments to local actions—making it difficult to connect policies across borders and sectors. Marine and freshwater systems are often treated separately, even though they are deeply connected. This disjointed approach makes sustainable management harder. Policies also tend to rely on past experiences instead of looking ahead. But with rapid changes from climate change, biodiversity loss, and water crises, we need forward-looking, science-based decisions. Governance systems must become more integrated, inclusive, and predictive. Three main shifts are needed: "Integrate", align land and sea policies across sectors and levels to avoid conflicts and gaps; "Involve", engage citizens, stakeholders, scientists, and local knowledge holders in shaping decisions; 3) "Predict", use future scenarios and scientific foresight instead of reactive planning. A fourth key tool is digital governance. E-tools can support better coordination, transparency, data sharing, and adaptive learning. BGG responds to these needs by designing and testing innovative governance models that connect land and sea policies. It promotes integration, participation, and strategic foresight—helping overcome the land-sea divide through digital solutions.