FP7 Cooperation

 

Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology (FAFB)

 

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Funding opportunities in the FAFB directed towards i) the participation of Mediterranean Partner Countries or ii) International Cooperation Partner countries.

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Projects covered by the following calls:

 

 

-          FP7-KBBE-2011-RTD

-          Indicative Budget: EUR 44 600 00

-          Date of publication: July 20, 2010

-          Call deadline:

                  January 22nd, 2011 (17:00hrs Brussels local time)

 

-          FP7-KBBE-2011-5

-          Indicative Budget: EUR 240.27 million

-          Date of publication: July 20, 2010

-          Call deadline:

                  January 25^th January, 2011 (17:00hrs Brussels local time)

 

 

-          FP7-Ocean-2011

-          Indicative Budget: EUR 45 000 000

-          Date of publication: July 20^th, 2010.

-          Call deadline:

                  January18th, 2011 (17:00hrs Brussels local time)

 

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For further information, full details and text of the call, please consult the full FAFB 2011 Work Programme at: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=UserSite.FP7ActivityCallsPage&ID_ACTIVITY=2

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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that this document is accurate, the MIRA (Mediterranean, Innovation and Research Coordination Action) project cannot be held responsible for errors that may be found in it.

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KBBE.2011.1.2-08: Forest Research in the Mediterranean Region – ERA-NET -

Mandatory ICPC (Mediterranean partner countries)

Call: FP7-ERANET-2011-RTD

 

Mediterranean forest and woodlands provide, in addition to wood, multiple non-wood forest goods and services which are crucial for the socio-economic development of rural areas as well as for the welfare of the urban populations of the Mediterranean region. However, they are one of the most vulnerable forest ecosystems and are exposed to increased risks related to drastic land use changes and climate change.   Considering that countries in the Mediterranean basin are facing similar challenges regarding the sustainability of forest ecosystems and the delivery of goods and services in the context of rapid global changes, it is of crucial importance that these issues are addressed through a strong scientific cooperation between the EU Member States and other countries of the

Mediterranean area. The ERA-NET project will coordinate national research activities on

Mediterranean forest ecosystems of EU Member States, Associated countries and ICPC Mediterranean partner countries and help set up common research programmes.  The ERA-NET shall seek synergies with activities of other relevant initiatives such as the European Forest-Based Sector Technology Platform (FTP) and take into account existing

strategies such as the Mediterranean Forest Research Agenda (MFRA).

 

Funding scheme: Coordination and Support Action (coordinating action).

Eligibility and evaluation criteria: please refer to Annex 4 of the Cooperation

Workprogramme including the Call Fiche "FP7-ERANET-2011-RTD".

Additional eligibility criteria:

- Minimum number of participants: 3 from different Member States or Associated Countries and 3 from different ICPC from the Mediterranean partner countries.

Expected impact: The ERA-NET is expected to reinforce scientific cooperation on forests throughout the Mediterranean area (EU and non-EU countries) thereby fighting fragmentation and maximising the impact of research activities on sustainable forest management, including management of forest resources to mitigate and adapt to climatic threats.

 

 

KBBE.2011.1.3-01: New/next generation of researchers for Neglected Zoonoses at the animal-human interface – Mandatory ICPC

Call: FP7-KBBE-2011-5

Neglected zoonoses- as qualified by WHO- cause not only very important losses to livestock productivity with impact on the whole chain: farmers (meat, milk, hides, skins, wool, labour), local and international traders, slaughter houses, transporters, butcheries, control programmes) but also high burden in the human populations (DALYs, diagnosis, treatments, care, control programmes) in endemic countries.  In line with the principles of One World One Health there is a need to address these diseases with an integrated approach and in particular at the animal human interface. Researchers with the appropriate holistic view and training are therefore necessary. The action focuses of targeted measures aiming at improving the career prospects for young researchers in the animal – human interface of neglected zoonoses, in particular: brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, rabies and echinococcosis. The key research issues are: the added value of a

closer cooperation of human and animal health compared to sectoral work alone, the potential financial savings of a closer cooperation, the potential new institutional arrangements at central and peripheral level of a closer cooperation in partnership (e.g. joint zoonoses surveillance in animals and humans), the potential of a closer cooperation both in the EU and in developing and transition countries. The activities should comprise training and supporting young researchers to establish independent research activities in disease-endemic countries. In addition to the scientific aspects of the diseases, socio-economic, cultural, institutional and decision making aspects should be also addressed with an integrated and multisectoral approach. Coordination with new and ongoing EU and international activities in neglected zoonoses should be envisaged.

Funding scheme: Coordination and Support Action (coordinating action).

Additional eligibility criteria:

- The requested European Union contribution shall not exceed EUR 2 000 000.

- Coordination Action will only be selected for funding on the condition that the estimated EU contribution going to SME(s) is 15% or more of the total estimated EU contribution for the project as a whole. This will be assessed at the end of the negotiation, before signature of the grant agreement. Proposals not fulfilling this criterion will not be funded.

- Minimum number of participants: 3 from different Member States or Associated Countries and 3 from different ICPC (of which at least 2 from Africa).

Expected impact: Establishment of a long-term and sustainable training programme for

young scientists in neglected zoonotic diseases at the animal-human interface. Capacity

building, technology transfer. Improvement of animal production and public health. The

project will build a “culture” of collaboration between animal and human health in the new generation of researchers. It will contribute to address global challenges: food security, health and environmental changes.

 

 

KBBE.2011.1.4-07: Role of aquaculture in improving food security and eradicating

poverty worldwide - Mandatory ICPC

Call: FP7-KBBE-2011-5

 

Within the context of increasing awareness of the importance of collective responsibility in combating poverty, 2010 is the "European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion", which is also among the main objectives of the European Union and its Member States. During the recent FAO’s World Summit on Food Security held in December 2009, world leaders unanimously adopted a declaration highlighting once again the pledge to combat poverty and eradicate hunger from the face of the earth sustainably and at the earliest date.

 

Aquaculture is considered as an important activity for local food security through reduced

vulnerability to variations in aquatic production, improved availability of high quality and

affordable food, improved access to food and more effective food utilization (FAO, 2003).  Among aquaculture products, fish, is one of the most efficient transformers of feed into food and therefore it seems of prime importance to utilize fish for production of valuable animal protein to prevent malnutrition. However, at present, little information exists concerning the scale and extent of rural or small-scale aquaculture development within most developing countries and Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries (LIFDCs), or concerning the direct/indirect impact of aquaculture activities and assistance projects on food security and poverty alleviation. Thus, although it is anticipated that aquaculture could have a significant contribution in combating food insecurity, it is still difficult to measure its potential contribution towards improving food security and subsequently plan, implement and coordinate efficiently, development and research programmes supporting the sustainable expansion of this activity.

 

The main objectives of the project will be:

1) to review existing and develop new methodologies aiming at quantifying the contribution of aquaculture in combating hunger and poverty in developing countries and LIFDCs,

2) to review past and on-going national and international cooperation activities focusing in promoting aquaculture in a food security context,

3) to review and disseminate: i) best practices, ii) financially viable entrepreneurial aquaculture activities (including small-scale operations), iii) enabling institutional initiatives and frameworks and iv) successful public-private partnerships contributing to aquaculture development in developing countries,

4) to review and assess the role of targeted nutrition education programmes in promoting the production of aquaculture products as a source of nutrition for human consumption in food insecure regions. The project will also consider local social and cultural assets and constraints for the development of aquaculture, as well as, the effects of global trade and markets on enabling or preventing aquaculture from achieving its food security objectives,

5) to identify potential for more efficient coordination between national and EU research and development initiatives focused on aquaculture as means of promoting food security and poverty alleviation. The project will also spot knowledge gaps and technology needs adapted to local requirements and available resources.

Funding Scheme: Coordination and Support Action (coordinating action).

Additional eligibility criteria:

- The requested European Union contribution shall not exceed EUR 1 000 000.

- Minimum number of participants: 3 from different Member States or Associated countries and 3 from different ICPCs.

- Eligible ICPCs for the implementation of the project: LIFDCs (http://www.fao.org/countryprofiles/lifdc.asp), ICPCs with high aquaculture contribution to their GDP, ICPCs with high numbers of small-scale aquaculture farmers operating, ICPCs with high international trade in fish products, in particular important exporters to EU.

According to the partnership, clear synergy with relevant national and/or international

initiatives may be required.

Expected impact: The project will promote enhanced coordination and stimulate synergies between Member States' and EU initiatives related to international cooperation aiming at developing aquaculture as means of combating food insecurity. It will provide tools for measuring the potential contribution of aquaculture in achieving global food security goals and MDGs, while determining the extent to which the promotion of this activity should be encouraged in the many food insecure regions of the world, where its sustainable development is possible. It will provide information on rural aquaculture (including small sale and commercial operations) and its role in improving rural livelihoods. The project will promote the integration of aquaculture into national rural development plans and strategies. It will contribute to stimulating the increase in institutional capacity and allocation of resources necessary to ensure the appropriate role of aquaculture in combating poverty and ensuring food security. It will also stimulate involvement of stakeholders in decision making and dissemination of best practices.

 

 

KBBE.2011.2.2-04: Translation mechanisms for targeting interventions on micronutrients — Mandatory South Asia and South East Asia

Call: FP7-KBBE-2011-5

 

Evidence shows that adequate nutrition during the six months before pregnancy, during

pregnancy itself and in the first two years of a child’s life is crucial for survival and optimal development (including growth, language, social, cognitive, and motor development).

 

Adequate nutrition is key to achieving the Millennium Development Goals for reducing the proportion of people who suffer from hunger and malnutrition. However, implementation of science-based policy initiatives to reduce malnutrition is not always successful. The action should explore the best ways to exploit existing scientific results on micro-nutrient needs for targeted groups, identify best practices to improve micro-nutrient status on a large scale and translate efficiently the knowledge into operational capacities within, for example, households, communities or governments. South Asian and South East Asian countries are targeted. For developing specific, targeted policy guidance and for ensuring the successful implementation of measures/actions to improve micronutrient status, the specificities of these countries should be taken into account, such as their national health systems and their political, cultural and socio-economic situations. Where appropriate, gender issues should be considered.

 

Funding scheme: Coordination and Support Action (supporting action).

 

Additional eligibility criteria:

- The requested European Union contribution shall not exceed EUR 2 000 000.

- Minimum number of participants: 3 from different Member States or Associated countries and 3 from different ICPC from South Asia38 and South East Asia39.

Expected impact: Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in reducing the

proportion of people who suffer from hunger and malnutrition, and improving the health

status of mothers during pregnancy and infants during the first 24 months of life. This should eventually contribute to reducing malnutrition and improving health in adulthood, as well as to mitigating the risk of chronic diseases.

 

 

KBBE.2011.2.5-02: Reducing post-harvest losses for increased food security — SICA

Call: FP7-KBBE-2011-5

 

Improving food security requires a comprehensive approach towards post-harvest research, as post-harvest losses are known to be significant, especially in low and medium-income countries. This topic aims to identify, develop and share appropriate technologies to reduce post-harvest losses and generate higher-value products from bio-waste on and off farms, while at the same time maintaining the quality and safety of food. Research in this area should develop strategies and procedures and identify areas where real improvement targets can be set and achieved. This may include benchmarking where appropriate, and should result in best practices. Demonstration activities under real-life third-country conditions, involving relevant food chain actors, are essential parts of the work to be carried out. The principle of mutual interest and shared benefits will underpin this international cooperation action with developing countries.

Funding scheme: Collaborative Project (small or medium-scale focused research project) for Specific Cooperation Actions dedicated to International Cooperation.

Additional eligibility criteria:

- The requested European Union contribution shall not exceed EUR 3 000 000.

- Minimum number of participants: 3 from different Member States or Associated countries and 3 from different ICPC.

Additional information: Up to 2 projects may be funded.

Expected impact: The results of research in this topic should clearly be of interest and

potential benefit to SMEs, and will create a beneficial economic impact to the sector

concerned. A strong participation of SMEs in the project itself should help contribute to the realisation of that impact. The European and international added value lies in increasing the effectiveness of the food chain by reducing post-harvest losses. Food chain efforts from farm to fork, involving food manufacturers, processors, retailers up to and including consumer involvement and education will contribute to this goal. Best practices including handling, transport and storage procedures, are expected outcomes, with targets for improvement and demonstration of their achievement. A high focus on dissemination and education is expected in order to make a tangible contribution to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

 

 

KBBE.2011.3.1-01: Plant photosynthetic efficiency: from a C3 to a C4 system

Call: FP7-KBBE-2011-5

 

Suboptimal photosynthetic efficiency is the major limitation for industrial crop productivity and yield. C4-type plants show more efficient photosynthesis (efficiency up to 7%) than C3 plants (efficiency ca. 1-2%) because of their specific CO2 concentration mechanism. C4-type plants are found in many families, often from sub-tropical environments, where they developed natural adaptations to high temperatures and associated water deficits. They represent only about 1% of all plant species, yet constitute 5% of all plant biomass and are responsible for fixation of about 30% of carbon dioxide. However, the vast majority of crops cultivated today belong to the C3 type.

 

The aim of the project is to adapt, via metabolic engineering and appropriate phenotypic

screening techniques, photosynthetic CO2 assimilation mechanisms in C3-type terrestrial

plants towards more efficient C4 architecture and biochemical mechanisms. The plant species selected for experiments might include model plants but should focus on crop species of economic relevance, and their selection should take into account the predicted impact of increasing CO2 level. The objective of the project is to increase biomass yields (e.g. by reducing photorespiration, optimising organelle function) and to redirect the allocation of selected assimilates to the harvestable tissues and organs in the cultivated plants. The project will also investigate the response of the modified C3→C4-type plants to abiotic stress, in particular water stress. This will include determining mechanisms that regulate the response to abiotic stress in terms of, for example, water use and carbon budget, aiming to improve stress adaptability and yield in C3→C4 plants. The project will consider appropriate training opportunities (e.g. summer schools) aimed at early-career stage researchers.

 

Funding Scheme: Collaborative Project (large-scale integrating project targeted to SMEs).

Additional eligibility criteria:

- The requested European Union contribution shall not exceed EUR 9 000 000.

- SME-targeted Collaborative Projects will only be selected for funding on the condition that the estimated EU contribution going to SME(s) is 25% or more of the total estimated EU contribution for the project as a whole. This will be assessed at the end of the negotiation, before signature of the grant agreement. Proposals not fulfilling this criterion will not be funded.

Expected impact: The project will improve the potential of the plant source material in

agriculture, biorefineries, production of biofuels, and generation of novel plant products. This will contribute to the KBBE goals of a more sustainable economy, supporting also the Millennium Development Goals. It is considered that participation of partners from third countries, including ICPC, should add to the expected impact of the research to be undertaken.

Projects supported under this topic should lead to a greater integration of research actors and activities from across the enlarged European Union and the candidate countries.

 

 

KBBE.2011.3.1-02: Perennial grasses: optimising biomass production – SICA

Call: FP7-KBBE-2011-5

 

Perennial grasses have better water and nitrogen use efficiencies as compared to traditional biomass crops and cover the soil for 15-20 years. Several studies highlight their positive environmental impact compared to annual crops in terms of CO2 and energy balance.  Perennial grasses are thus an ideal plant system for allowing the generation of novel varieties of plants that show higher productivity with existing inputs and stable productivity with reduced inputs while focussing on the use of marginal land, thus avoiding competition with areas used for food production. New grass varieties are needed to address the challenge of climate change and to allow a longer sowing period. The generation of early emergence plants will reduce the use of pesticides and increase the biomass yield in the first year of cultivation, especially on marginal lands.

 

The aim of the project is to tackle specific bottlenecks, such as homogeneous ripening to

permit a timed harvest, along the whole graminae-based production chain. In order to improve biomass density and to reduce losses due to high moisture content during storage and transport, the project will improve characteristics of biomass by increasing capacity for rapid drying. Specific issues such as osmotic regulation (guard cell function), senescence or regulation of metabolite degradation may also be considered. Adapting grasses to possible adverse environmental conditions encountered on marginal lands (e.g. salinity, water deficits) should be included.

Funding Scheme: Collaborative Project (small or medium-scale focused research project

targeted to SMEs) for Specific Cooperation Actions dedicated to International Cooperation.

Additional eligibility criteria:

- The requested European Union contribution shall not exceed EUR 3 000 000.

- SICA - Minimum number of participants: 2 from different Member States or Associated

countries and 2 from different ICPCs.

- SME-targeted Collaborative Projects will only be selected for funding on the condition that the estimated EU contribution going to SME(s) is 25% or more of the total estimated EU contribution for the project as a whole. This will be assessed at the end of the negotiation, before signature of the grant agreement. Proposals not fulfilling this criterion will not be funded.

Additional information:

- The project will take into account environmental sustainability criteria for grassland

management and protection, and will fully adhere to relevant national and international

regulations for biodiversity preservation.

- Up to 3 projects may be funded.

Expected impact: The project will allow the generation of perennial crops, with a higher

yield within an optimised production system, while at the same providing a stable source of biomass and new plant-derived bioproducts, and exploiting the potential of underutilized marginal lands. Optimised production of raw materials from agriculture as resources for added-value products will contribute to more sustainable socio-economical and environmental performance. Projects supported under this topic should lead to a greater integration of research actors and activities from across the enlarged European Union, and the candidate countries. It is considered that participation of relevant partners from India and/or China and/or Russia should add to the expected impact of the research to be undertaken.

 

 

KBBE.2011.3.4-01: BioWASTE - Novel biotechnological approaches for transforming industrial and/or municipal biowaste into bioproducts – SICA

Call: FP7-KBBE-2011-5

 

Industrial and municipal biowastes pose environmental risks while being an important

potential feedstock resource for producing a wide range of bioproducts. The potential to

exploit biowastes as raw materials for bioproducts/energy requires the application of new

technologies to arrive at novel and economically viable solutions.

 

The objective of the project is to develop novel biotechnological processes for converting the biodegradable fraction of municipal solid waste or industrial biowastes into valuable

bioproducts such as chemicals, biomaterials and nutraceuticals. The full armoury of genomics techniques may be brought to bear on the development of enzymatic and/or fermentation processes. Emphasis should be placed on biowaste streams which are produced in significant quantities at the European level. Proposed concepts should apply a cascading approach, giving priority to the transformation towards bioproducts but permitting a possible conversion to energy (e.g. through anaerobic digestion) at a later stage. For industrial wastes, the feasibility of the integration of the developed technologies into the existing processing chain should be assessed.

Demonstration activities aimed at proving the industrial relevance of the developed concept(s) should also be included. The project will address quantitative technological/economic viability analysis for the up-scaling of the developed technologies for industrial production. A dissemination plan should include a sound strategy for an effective transfer to the end users of the knowledge produced.

In order to avoid duplication with previous EU-funded research, agricultural and forestry

residues are excluded from the scope of the topic.

Funding scheme: Collaborative Project (small or medium-scale focused research project

targeted to SMEs) for Specific Cooperation Actions Dedicated to International Cooperation.

Additional eligibility criteria:

- The requested European Union contribution shall not exceed EUR 3 000 000.

- SICA - Minimum number of participants: 2 from different Member States or Associated

countries and 2 from different ICPCs.

- SME-targeted Collaborative Projects will only be selected for funding on the condition that the estimated EU contribution going to SME(s) is 25% or more of the total estimated EU contribution for the project as a whole. This will be assessed at the end of the negotiation, before signature of the grant agreement. Proposals not fulfilling this criterion will not be funded.

Additional information: Up to 3 projects may be funded.

Expected impact: Projects supported under this topic should lead to a greater integration of research actors and activities from across the enlarged European Union, and the candidate countries. Improving the overall sustainability of the biomass processing industry and increasing the competitiveness of the European biotechnology industry. The project will contribute to realising the objectives of environmental, socio-economic and industrial European policy initiatives, such as the Lead Market in Bio-based Products, the

Environmental Technology Action Plan and the EU Strategy for key enabling technologies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KBBE.2011.1.2-03: Development of cover crop and mulch systems for sustainable crop production

Call: FP7-KBBE-2011-5

 

 

The introduction of cover crops, catch crops and (living) mulch into cropping systems is

known to have beneficial effects in particular on soil improvement (e.g. organic matter and soil structure, nitrogen production, soil microbial activity, nutrient enhancement), pest management and weed suppression. These benefits need to be balanced against potential disadvantages related to water and nutrient consumption of the cover crops, the presence of specific insects and diseases and additional management and technology requirements at farm level. To be effective, cover crops and mulch systems require changes in farm practices and need to be suited to specific production systems and agro-climatic conditions.  The project shall extend existing knowledge as well as develop novel cropping systems and best practices based on cover, catch crops and (living) mulch to increase the duration of soil coverage by plant canopies, introduce diversity to the crop rotation and reduce the need for and the intensity of soil tillage. The plant species as well as the agronomic measures and machinery proposed shall be tested in view of their effect on the use of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides taking into account a variety of climatic conditions and relevant farming systems in Europe, the Mediterranean and possibly other climatic zones. Overall, the project shall deliver new plant material and develop a comprehensive "cover crop toolbox" to help farmers identify cover crops most suited to their specific production systems (also including economic considerations and technology requirements). The transfer of results to breeders, extension services and other multiplicators relevant for reaching farmers is essential.

Funding scheme: Collaborative Project (small or medium-scale focused research project

targeted to SMEs).

Additional eligibility criteria:

- The requested European Union contribution shall not exceed EUR 3 000 000.

- SME-targeted Collaborative Projects will only be selected for funding on the condition that the estimated EU contribution going to SME(s) is 15% or more of the total estimated EU contribution for the project as a whole. This will be assessed at the end of the negotiation, before signature of the grant agreement. Proposals not fulfilling this criterion will not be funded.

Expected impact: The project will contribute to enlarging the range of available cover crop species in agricultural systems, thereby supporting farmers in making better use of the beneficial effects of these crops. The delivery of suitable germplasm material, widely

accessible “tailored” know-how on farming practices and technological requirements shall contribute to a more sustainable, resource efficient agriculture in Europe, the Mediterranean and other regions. Results shall benefit both conventional and organic farming systems.

 

Project results should clearly be of interest and potential benefit to SMEs.

 

 

 

KBBE.2011.1.2-08: Forest Research in the Mediterranean Region – ERA-NET -

Mandatory ICPC (Mediterranean partner countries)

Call: FP7-ERANET-2011-RTD

 

Mediterranean forest and woodlands provide, in addition to wood, multiple non-wood forest goods and services which are crucial for the socio-economic development of rural areas as well as for the welfare of the urban populations of the Mediterranean region. However, they are one of the most vulnerable forest ecosystems and are exposed to increased risks related to drastic land use changes and climate change.

Considering that countries in the Mediterranean basin are facing similar challenges regarding the sustainability of forest ecosystems and the delivery of goods and services in the context of rapid global changes, it is of crucial importance that these issues are addressed through a strong scientific cooperation between the EU Member States and other countries of the Mediterranean area. The ERA-NET project will coordinate national research activities on Mediterranean forest ecosystems of EU Member States, Associated countries and ICPC Mediterranean partner countries and help set up common research programmes. 

The ERA-NET shall seek synergies with activities of other relevant initiatives such as the

European Forest-Based Sector Technology Platform (FTP) and take into account existing

strategies such as the Mediterranean Forest Research Agenda (MFRA).

Funding scheme: Coordination and Support Action (coordinating action).

Eligibility and evaluation criteria: please refer to Annex 4 of the Cooperation

Workprogramme including the Call Fiche "FP7-ERANET-2011-RTD".

Additional eligibility criteria:

- Minimum number of participants: 3 from different Member States or Associated Countries and 3 from different ICPC from the Mediterranean partner countries.

Expected impact: The ERA-NET is expected to reinforce scientific cooperation on forests throughout the Mediterranean area (EU and non-EU countries) thereby fighting fragmentation and maximising the impact of research activities on sustainable forest management, including management of forest resources to mitigate and adapt to climatic threats.

 

 

OCEAN.2011-3: Assessing and predicting the combined effects of natural and human made pressures in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea in view of their better governance

Call: FP7-OCEAN-2011

The capacity of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea to provide goods and services to their surrounding populations may be compromised in the near future if anthropogenic and natural pressures are not considered in connection with the natural sensitivities and capacities of the marine environment in an integrated, ecosystem-based way. An integrated approach for governance in the Mediterranean and in the Black Sea basins is therefore needed.

 

The overall objectives of the project are to promote sustainable well-coordinated research

efforts in order to characterise patterns of pressure in environmental and socio-economic

terms on the Mediterranean and the Black Sea and to develop a framework for future implementation of adaptive policies and management schemes, while fostering international cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Firstly, the project will develop expert systems in order to address the objectives of the topic, making the best use of the available observational and monitoring capability currently deployed in both basins. In particular it should take advantage of and be built on systems such as the ones currently deployed through the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) and the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) initiatives. The project should also take into consideration the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODNET) and the Data Collection Framework (DCF) in fisheries. Where needed, the project should fill short term data gaps and propose options to fill gaps on a continuous basis in the long term. This will include making more compatible the role of existing and future research vessel (i.e. a new multipurpose mobile platform for environmental data collection) with the current effort to monitoring systematically the environmental status of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea conditions through an integrated observing system.

 

Secondly, the project shall build an integrated knowledge-base for understanding the patterns of anthropogenic and natural pressures in the Mediterranean and in the Black Sea. In particular, it should develop the science-base needed to understand how the natural land-ocean processes that are characteristic of semi-enclosed basins (peculiar role of air-sea fluxes and fresh water fluxes, specific water mass ventilation rates, hydraulic control of flows across straits) and the anthropogenic processes (effects of large cities, coastal development, pollution, recreational activities, fishing and aquaculture activities) interact in these two basins.

 

Thirdly, the project shall provide a scientific rationale for a basin-wide promotion of the

principles and objectives put forward in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in close collaboration with the neighbouring countries in order to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES). It should be built upon existing models, in particular those developed under GMES, improve prediction and management of key anthropogenic and natural processes and their impacts in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

 

The project shall cover both Mediterranean and Black Sea basins and foster international

cooperation. It will aim to build scientific capacity in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea to strengthen European efforts to address the environmental challenges faced in the two semi-enclosed seas, jointly with neighbouring

countries.  Finally, the project will develop a small research and survey vessel concept to be used for coastal areas, estuaries, as well as port areas, navigation channels. The innovative research content concerns a small vessel with low draft that can operate with very precise innovative dynamic positioning, novel propulsion in shallow waters and normal sea states. As well a being suitable for a wide range of research related users, the vessels will address the needs to survey, accurately and efficiently shallow water navigation channels, an important navigation safety issue for shipping, particularly in areas with shifting sands.

 

Funding scheme: Collaborative Project (large scale integrating project) for specific

cooperation actions (SICA) dedicated to international cooperation partner countries.

 

Additional eligibility criteria:

- The requested European Union contribution shall not exceed EUR 13 000 000.

- SICA - Minimum number of participants: 3 from different Member States or Associated

countries and 4 from different ICPC, among which at least 2 from the Mediterranean Partner Countries and at least 2 from the ICPC countries of the EU Black Sea Synergy.

Additional information:

A maximum of one project may be funded. The project must equally address both the

Mediterranean and the Black sea basins. It may include one sub-project for the Mediterranean and one for the Black Sea; but with a strong interlink between the two (e.g. for modelling) and a common approach for the development of the small research and survey vessel.  The project should be in line with the requirements of the Inspire directive and data sharing principles of the GEOSS initiative.

The multi-disciplinary approach of the research undertaken is essential to address the topic. It will be considered during the evaluation of the criterion related to "S/T quality".

The multi-sectoral composition of the partnership and the participation of industrial partners and relevant end-users, in particular SMEs, are essential for the implementation of the project.

It will be considered during the evaluation of the criterion related to "Implementation".

 

Expected impacts:

- Reinforcing the scientific knowledge base, including in the regions out of the EU where this knowledge base remains poor, in order to understand and manage the impact of global changes on the Mediterranean and the Black Sea marine ecosystems and thereby contribute to their sustainable development;

- Clarifying challenges related to the definition and implementation of basin wide Good

Environmental Status in accordance with the MSFD;

- Contributing to building science-based basin scale management strategies and

informing policy makers at national, EU, regional and International levels. Evaluating

the various options for sustaining these tools on the long term;

- The project should be in line with EU and international policies such as: MSFD,

GMES, GEOSS, Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), Integrated Maritime Policy and the

regional sea conventions;

- Enable advanced marine transport technology to accurately and efficiently locate in

normal seas a vessel that can research and survey in shallow waters;

- Reinforcing international cooperation and interactions between scientists throughout

the two geographic areas and spreading knowledge to decision makers.

 

 

OCEAN.2011-4: Knowledge-base and tools for regional networks of MPAs, integrated management of activities together with assessment of wind energy potential in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea

Call: FP7-OCEAN-2011

 

Due to the specific nature of the Mediterranean and Black Sea and the rapid expansion of seabased activities, there is a need to create new knowledge to support the development of decision maker's tools for optimizing the management of human activities, within an

integrated coastal and marine space system.

 

The objective of the project is to build up scientific basis firstly for establishing regional or sub-regional wide networks of marine protected areas (MPAs) for conservation and better management of marine living resources, secondly for assessing offshore wind energy potential while evaluating possible synergies and conflicts of use with other marine activities.

 

Research on MPAs will concern the establishment of scientific guidelines, criteria, models and tools for the design, mapping, management, monitoring and control of regional or subregional networks of MPAs including deep-sea habitats and areas beyond national jurisdictions. These networks of MPAs should respond to clearly established objectives, from protecting biodiversity (strict reserves) to achieving a sustainable exploitation of aquatic living resources by preserving nursery grounds and juveniles (restricted areas).

 

The focus will be on the identification of priority areas in both basins through a hierarchical approach based on ecological and socio-economic criteria in underrepresented or poorly studied areas and ecosystems (e.g. the high seas and the deep seas). Sizing, spacing and ecological connectivity and interdependency between sites will be studied for optimal maintenance of species populations and biodiversity (spill over effect), considering possible genetic exchange, larval behaviour patterns and larval dispersal and making the best use of molecular science and multidisciplinary approaches between marine genomics and ecosystem science. Habitat discontinuity and fragmentation, physical oceanography should also be considered. The development of management strategies for implementing the regional networks such as regulation measures to limit and ban certain practices, dynamic closures, legal issues for managing trans-boundary areas and high seas MPAs are key elements of the project. The project should also promote innovative communication strategies between scientists, managers, fishermen, shippers, NGOs, potential users and public at large.

Research on wind energy will provide a scientific basis for assessing off-shore wind potential in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, focusing on areas already identified as promising with respect to wind regimes. The project should assess the potential for offshore wind power production based on the use of existing models. It will also evaluate potential conflicts with other uses of the space (MPAs, maritime transport, on shore large desalination plants, dredging, fishing, aquaculture, sub-sea cables, pipelines, tourism, etc). The project should deliver scientific guidelines for an enriched "wind atlas" for decision-makers and planners.

 

Moreover the project shall launch two pilot studies, at least one in the Mediterranean and one in the Black Sea, addressing the establishment of regional networks of MPAs, also combining if possible wind energy development, and considering all the possible conflicts from other maritime activities. The pilot studies should address selected areas within regions or subregions of the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea as defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The project should reinforce capacity building in support to international cooperation by transferring and making compatible methods across the two basins and by promoting common rules and practices in particular with non EU countries from Balkans, Southern Mediterranean and Eastern Europe bordering the two seas.

 

Funding scheme: Collaborative Project (large scale integrating project) for specific

cooperation actions (SICA) dedicated to international cooperation partner countries.

Additional eligibility criteria:

- The requested European Union contribution shall not exceed EUR 9 000 000.

- SICA - Minimum number of participants: 3 from different Member States or Associated

countries and 4 from different ICPC, among which at least 2 from the Mediterranean Partner

Countries and at least 2 from the ICPC countries of the EU Black Sea Synergy36.

Additional information:

A maximum of one project may be funded.

The multi-disciplinary approach of the research undertaken is essential to address the topic. It will be considered during the evaluation of the criterion related to "S/T quality".

The multi-sectoral composition of the partnership and the participation of industrial partners and relevant end-users, in particular SMEs, are essential for the implementation of the project.

 

It will be considered during the evaluation of the criterion related to "Implementation".

Expected impacts:

- Improved methods and tools for developing holistic planning and integrated

management approaches and practices for the implementation of regional or subregional

networks of Marine Protected Areas and the assessment of offshore wind energy potential in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea,

- Reinforcing international cooperation and interactions between scientists and marine

space users throughout the two geographic areas and spreading knowledge to decision

makers,

Demonstrating the feasibility and possible synergy between regional networks of

MPAs and offshore wind sites through the launching of two pilot studies, at least one

in the Mediterranean and one in the Black Sea, with the participation of the industry,

- Supporting maritime spatial planning and the development of an Integrated Maritime

Policy in the Mediterranean and Black Sea basins,

- Contributing to fulfil international/regional conventions and agreements e.g.

Convention on Biological Diversity, UN World Summit on Sustainable Development

Plan of Implementation, as well as EU regulations and policies regarding the

implementation of regional or sub-regional networks of MPAs.