News and Events
ECHOES FROM THE SECOND MSP4BIO GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
The Second General Assembly Meeting of the MSP4BIO project was conducted on 20-21 March in Ostende, Belgium, organised by Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee (VLIZ). All MSP4BIO partners gathered at the meeting and took stock of the achievements made in the first 8 months and the way forward with the aim to contribute to a better integration between Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
In the first day of MSP4BIO General Assembly we have put focus on interactions and discussions on the methodology and development of the project's final product, conservation management, protection criteria and policy coherence analysis.
In the second day, the initial results from the integrated reports on the specific gaps analysis for the MSP4BIO test sites were presented and we actively discussed during the interactive sessions on the Communities of Practice synergies and work plans for the ESE integrated framework implementation.
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CCMS attended the MSP-GREEN Launching Conference on January 17th, 2023 in Venice, Italy
The Launching Conference of the MSP-GREEN project was organized on 17th January 2023 by CORILA, IUAV and CNR-ISMAR, in Venice, Italy at IUAV – Tolentini premises to present to the public the project objectives, invited speakers to describe state of the art and panel discussions with case studies on key topics for the maritime ecological transition.
The MSP-GREEN project contributes to align maritime spatial plans to the ambition of the EGD by creating a framework for plans as marine enablers of the EGD. The framework will provide a cross-cutting approach to the EGD key topics relevant for the marine environment and the sustainable transition of blue economy: climate change, circular blue economy, protection of marine biodiversity, marine renewable energies, sustainable food provision. Recommendations on how to strengthen the EGD ambition of EU MSP plans will be prepared. The sea basins’ dimension will be promoted by considering environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural specificities also, via dedicated Ocean Literacy driven communication.
Read more: CCMS attended the MSP-GREEN Launching Conference on January 17th, 2023 in Venice, Italy
Successful Conclusion of the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5)
Vancouver, British Columbia, 3-9 February 2023
Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5)
Oceans play an essential role in the lives of people around the world. To promote the long-term sustainability of the world ocean and ensure that future generations are able to benefit from our marine resources, the global community must work together to combat climate change and address biodiversity loss affecting ocean ecosystems.
During the Leadership Forum, the Ministers, alongside representatives from governments and leaders from Indigenous, environmental, philanthropic, academic and private organizations, industry, as well as young professionals, discussed the results achieved at IMPAC5. Attendees emphasized the importance of global cooperation in achieving marine conservation targets and focused on the essential role of Indigenous-led conservation efforts. Participants also addressed the need for increased protection of biodiversity through the use of marine protected areas and highlighted the role of marine conservation financing in achieving shared commitments, including Canada’s ambitious conservation goals of conserving 30 per cent of its oceans by 2030.
Read more: Successful Conclusion of the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5)
IN MEMORIAM: PROF. ALLAN T. WILLIAMS, a great scientist and friend!
It is with the greatest sadness to inform the coastal community that Prof. Dr. Allan T. Williams passed away on 17 November 2022.

We will not forget you...
From CCMS and the very many colleagues and friends all around the world!