Result description
The HARMONISATION MANUAL analyses key variables and recommends how to harmonise and increase knowledge on coastal and marine research towards Good Environmental Status, ensuring compatibility with MSFD and EcAp through regionally agreed cost-efficient measures. It Is based on extensive Black Sea stakeholders (RSCs, researchers, academics, policy makers) consultation, workshops, projects, published research.
It is a guidebook for data handling, sampling, analysis, in situ and remote observations, considering best practices to address challenges from human pressures and climate change to BS, adapted to the requirements of Competent Authorities and key stakeholders and provide evidence to inform citizens and society. It aims to improve research infrastructure, identify appropriate policy interventions, enable better planning, support EU and BS policy framework and improve synergies, being also environmental pillar of Blue Economy, supporting the SRIA and establishment of SoS.
The HARMONISATION MANUAL aims to harmonize existing and new ocean knowledge and guides for coastal and marine research in the Black Sea. It provides methods, standards and procedures to ensure data compatibility, helps researchers and policymakers make informed and effective decisions to achieve GES and offers scientific evidence for citizens and stakeholders. It aligns with international frameworks as MSFD and EcAp, addressing key environmental challenges: biodiversity and habitats conservation, climate change, eutrophication, marine litter, chemical pollution, geochemical monitoring, coastal zone management, exploited fish and shellfish.
It promotes coordinated monitoring programs and proposes alignment with EU and Black Sea policy frameworks, helps to identify appropriate policy actions to effective measures across countries through regional agreements, therefore helps fostering basin-wide applicability and impact, supporting sustainable development and Blue Economy in the Black Sea. Additionally, it increases the availability of credible scientific evidence to guide policy decisions and supports the implementation of SRIA and the establishment of SoS.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- To raise awareness and possibly influence policy
- Use of research Infrastructure
- Collaboration
Increase synergies among research institutes and Academia across the Black Sea by aligning efforts across countries and establishing harmonized/coordinated marine environment monitoring towards GES. Create a collaborating framework of all national CAs to implement MSFD and EcAp. Foster dialogue among scientists and policy makers to achieve mutual goals.
Implementation of manual requires support on: Sustainable Financing & Shared Infrastructure; Technical Guidance, Tools & Data Integration; Capacity Building; Institutional & Policy Alignment; Peer Exchange & Regional Collaboration.
- EU and Member State Policy-makers
- Research and Technology Organisations
- Academia/ Universities
Result submitted to Horizon Results Platform by BURGASKI SVOBODEN UNIVERSITET
