The SUNBIO project, represented by Damianos Chatzievangelou and Michele Ferrari from ICM–CSIC, was featured at the “The Future of Marine Biodiversity Monitoring” workshop held from November 5-7, 2024, in Sitges, Spain. This in-person event aimed to develop collaborative strategies for enhancing marine biodiversity monitoring across the continent.
The workshop assembled a select group of experts and stakeholders to deliberate on actionable recommendations and solutions aimed at improving monitoring strategies and optimizing marine biodiversity data pathways. These discussions are pivotal for setting future monitoring standards and integrating scientific data into effective policy-making frameworks.
Organized jointly by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and a consortium of esteemed institutions, the event saw contributions from ACTeon in France as the leading body, the Institut de Ciències del Mar of Barcelona of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ICM–CSIC) in Spain, the Estonian Marine Institute of the University of Tartu, and the Department of Marine Sciences of the University of the Aegean in Greece. The study was launched by the European Commission, co-implemented by the Joint Research Centre, and managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
During the workshop, SUNBIO participants significantly contributed to expert panel discussions, including a minute-long discussion panel titled “AI/Imaging,” where they explored the potential integration of such tools in biodiversity monitoring programs. They also engaged in open discussions and networking with other members of the scientific community, as well as national and European managers and policymakers, including representatives from JRC, DG MARE, DG ENV, and EEA. A total of 70-80 attendees worked towards identifying current gaps and challenges, suggesting solutions for data collection and treatment aligned with policy requirements, and facilitating the smooth integration of data and knowledge into policy decisions.
The SUNBIO project’s involvement in this workshop underscored its ongoing commitment to advancing marine biodiversity monitoring. By participating in high-level discussions, SUNBIO is not only contributing to the scientific community but also plays a crucial role in shaping policies that will govern the future of Europe’s marine ecosystems.
