The A-AAGORA has identified the tag line – Coastal Restoration with Nature and People - to better frame the key objective of the project. A-AAGORA builds on the successful implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS) in three demonstrators (DEMOs) representing different starting points that serve as pilots of innovative actions, providing important data for global ocean science and direct research in the coastal and marine regions. Having the three selected DEMOs (Troms Arctic Archipelago Norway, Cork County Ireland and Centro Region Portugal) as core and seven crosscutting WPs as enablers, the A-AAGORA main objective is:
• To demonstrate via technological, social, business, governance innovation actions the reduction of pressures in coastal areas, through the application of ecosystem-based management (EBM) and nature-based solutions (NbS) to boost resilience to climate change and mitigate its impacts.
• To enable this lighthouse, framed in three coastal areas covering the Atlantic-Arctic region, to further move from piloting to demonstration phase by providing innovative solutions to the market (technology readiness level; TRL7) and by fostering deliberative democracy (societal readiness level; SRL7).
• To co-develop blueprints with a systemic approach for the restoration, protection and preservation of our ocean, seas and waters. This will include quantified and measurable targets for protecting and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity, for zero pollution, and for decarbonisation and net greenhouse gas emissions reduction towards climate-neutrality.
The three DEMOS act as platforms for the development and deployment of transformative innovations of all forms – technological, social, business, governance. The project will further identify areas and locations where the tested NbS can be replicated or scaled-up, funding and collaborating with Associated Regions. A Living Lab concept fosters the exchange synergies at multiple scales facilitated through a quintuple helix innovation model. The process involves researchers and users, decision-makers and local communities, industry, and SMEs, integrating existing and new knowledge, co-designing and co-implementing with citizens and stakeholders in a deliberative democracy process, towards a blueprint for the Atlantic-Arctic AGORA (Image 1). This is the basis for the creation of a community of practice (CoP) and a digital knowledge system. The project will further co-develop blueprints for the Atlantic-Arctic lighthouse for the restoration, protection and preservation of our ocean, seas, and waters.
