Objective
The increasing pressures upon the marine realm call for a well planned approach of further spatial development of this area. An ecosystem-based approach to fisheries, the increasing demand for sustainable energy, coastal defence systems, building materials and safe transport routes and the need to protect marine habitats and species all compete for the same valuable space. At the same time climate change will alter the composition and functioning of marine ecosystems, calling for a robust approach of future spatial planning that also takes cross boundary developments into account. MESMA will supply innovative methods and integrated strategies for governments, local authorities, stakeholders and other managerial bodies for planning and decision making at different local, national and European scales. This will also comprise an easy accessible information system to gain support from politicians, stakeholders and the public in general for difficult (inter)national decisions that will be needed for sustainable use and protection of this vulnerable area. This data system, containing information on the distribution of marine habitats and species, economic values and benefits and human uses and its effects will also be an interface between science, policy and decision makers.
MESMA will supply strategic tools for sustainable development of European seas and coastal areas. The major challenge is to combine an optimized use with a sustained ecosystem of high quality, taking into account ecological and economic differences. By studying and comparing different national situations and solutions from a selected number of sites throughout Europe and by determining common features and differences, including the socio-economic settings and requirements, an integrated toolbox that can be applied throughout Europe will be made available.
Field of science
- /social sciences/economics and business/economics/sustainable economy
- /engineering and technology/environmental engineering/energy and fuels/renewable energy
- /social sciences/other social sciences/social sciences interdisciplinary/sustainable development
Programme(s)
Call for proposal
FP7-ENV-2008-1
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
CP-IP - Large-scale integrating project
Coordinator
6708 PB Wageningen
Netherlands
Participants (21)
WC1E 6BT London
60325 Frankfurt
9000 Gent
19013 Attikia Anavissos
9000 Varna
5817 Bergen
T12 YN60 Cork
00185 Roma
48395 Sukarrieta
SVR 1301 Santa Venera
2800 Kgs Lyngby
SW1P 3JR London
EH14 4AS Edinburgh
2629 HV Delft
0349 Oslo
2595 DA Den Haag
1000 Brussel
38116 Braunschweig
1000 Bruxelles
81 712 Sopot
6882 CT Velp
