WORK PACKAGES
The GES4SEAS project is structured into seven work packages (WP), covering the different aspects needed to develop an innovative toolbox, including its testing, validation and demonstration, in the context of ecosystem-based management.
WP1: Stakeholder engagement: setting the scene
WP leaders: Heliana Teixeira (UAVR) and Angel Borja (AZTI)
Description of work: WP1 will identify the policy and societal needs and validate the solutions proposed by GES4SEAS.
Task 1.1. Practitioners’ Advisory Board (PAB): map target stakeholders
Task 1.2. Co-creation and design thinking process
Task 1.3. Iterative development and validation of the beta toolbox version
Task 1.4. GES4SEAS Ecosystem-based approach guidance to achieve GES
WP2: Developing the conceptual framework and knowledge base for ecosystem-based management
WP leaders: Nadia Papadopoulou (HCMR) Michael Elliott (IECS)
Description of work: WP2 will define the conceptual framework and theory underpinning the project and will give the background and approaches to filling knowledge gaps.
Task 2.1. Setting up the state-of-the-art of cumulative pressure impacts and ecosystem management approaches towards achieving GES within the MSFD
Task 2.2. State of the art in support of EBM of specific and increasing problems, such as HABs, jellyfish outbreaks, invasive species and the decline of top predators
Task 2.3. Propose Best Options for practical Ecosystem-based Approaches to fill gaps in understanding the effects of multiple and cumulative pressures
Task 2.4. Design of a Practical Ecosystem-based Approach for management using integrated risk-based and opportunity assessment and management
WP3: Understanding the mechanisms that determine the cumulative impacts of human activities and climate change
WP leaders: Marta Coll (CSIC) and Chris Lynam (CEFAS)
Description of work: WP3 will develop the knowledge base in order to quantify, assess and forecast the consequences of anthropogenic perturbations.
Task 3.1. Capacity to deliver ecosystem services and links to GES
Task 3.2. Testing tipping points and thresholds
Task 3.3. Investigating effects of measures on mitigating impacts
Task 3.4. Building analytical capacity
WP4: Linking pressure and status assessment with the capacity to supply ecosystem services into a unifying holistic framework and nested toolbox
WP leaders: Jesper Andersen (NIVA) and Torsten Berg (MariLim)
Description of work: WP4 will operationalize integrative and holistic solutions through a scientific framework and software toolbox for analyzing, assessing and mapping (i) cumulative pressures (Cumulative Impact Assessment/Combined Effects Assessment (CIA/CEA)), (ii) GES and (iii) ecosystem services.
Task 4.1. Initial beta prototype
Task 4.2. Definition of data structures
Task 4.3. Inclusion of response curves and threshold models
Task 4.4. Data-based weighting factors
Task 4.5. Aggregation
Task 4.6. Confidence assessment
Task 4.7. GES4SEAS assessment framework and toolbox
WP5: Learning sites: Testing and synthesis
WP leaders: Vanessa Stelzenmüller (TI-SF) and Jacob Carstensen (AU)
Description of work: WP5 will apply the GES4SEAS toolbox to learning sites (LSs), to extract lessons.
Task 5.1. Stocktaking of pressures and impacts
Task 5.2. Develop, refine and implement methods to assess and manage HABs, invasive species, jellyfish blooms and top predators
Task 5.3. Testing and identification of information gaps
Task 5.4. Integrating experiences from Las
Task 5.5. Recommendations for monitoring and management
WP6: Enhancing societal understanding of ecosystem functioning and human health through ocean literacy and dissemination
WP leaders: Miguel Leal (Scitation) and María C. Uyarra (AZTI)
Description of work: WP6 will make solutions available and ready to use.
Task 6.1. Elaboration of the communication, dissemination and exploitation plan
Task 6.2. GES4SEAS key messages
Task 6.3. Branding and communication
Task 6.4. Educational twitter MOOC stories for society
Task 6.5. Blue Schools engagement
Task 6.6. Policy briefs
Task 6.7. Summer schools
Task 6.8. Open access book
Task 6.9. Training of stakeholders on the framework tools developed and lessons learnt
Task 6.10. Educational modules
Task 6.11. Joint activities with international initiatives to maximize impacts
WP7: Management, coordination and reporting
WP leader: Angel Borja (AZTI), assisted by a PAM (Project Administrative Manager)
Description of work: WP7 will ensure proper management and coordination within the consortium and between the consortium and the European Coimssion.
Task 7.1. Carry out the Description of Work (DoW) and achieve consortium agreement
Task 7.2. Produce templates and guidelines for detailed collation of information and planning/reporting of tasks in each WP
Task 7.3. Undergo accounting and financial reporting activities
Task 7.4. Establish effective internal communication through annual meetings, workshops, remote meetings
Task 7.5. Coordinate participation in conferences and meetings
Task 7.6. Contact other relevant scientific projects and networks
Task 7.7. Ethics, equity and gender balance