COHENET Conference - Ecosystem-based networks of MPAs

In 2018, the European Commission started the COHENET contract "Achieving coherent networks of marine protected areas: analysis of the situation in the Mediterranean Sea". The objective of this study is to take stock of the present situation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) in the Mediterranean Sea and provide recommendations for applying an MPA network approach in the region. The project has made a preliminary assessment of coherence of the current MPAs as possible nodes of a network focused on the Adriatic Sea, with the overall objective of developing a coherence assessment methodology that could be applied in other (sub)regions. The end results could provide management recommendations, improve MPAs data collection, optimize resources, and further tailor future regional strategies across Europe.
 
At the 26th of March 2019 the COHENET team will present, at a conference in Venice, the results of the project and collate feedback on their methodology and recommendations on coherence and management of MPA networks. The conference is co-organised by the European Union Adriatic Ionian Strategy and invites Mediterranean stakeholders to come and speak about their approaches to MPA management, while also being informed on the COHENET achievements. A first session will set the scene on ecosystem functioning and the holistic network approach of MPAs. In the second session management practices will be discussed, and approaches towards improving management effectiveness shared.  In both sessions, a mix of MPA managers, EU, national and regional authorities, scientists, consultants and NGOs will come and shed a light on various practices and challenges. The closing session will summarize the key challenges for improving coherence and management of MPA networks in the region.

Find here the programme of the conference.

You can register here.

If you would like to receive more information on the COHENET conference, please send an email to cohenet@arcadis.com