We are pleased to announce that the results and developments from the H2020UNITED and ULTFARMS projects were recently presented to the European Commission by Alexander Ziemba from Deltares and Ivana Lukic from the SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth EEIG. This presentation marks a significant milestone in advancing sustainable Ocean Multi-Use practices.
Key Highlights from the Event:
Alignment with EU Efforts:
The European Commission’s initiatives are closely aligned with the H2020UNITED Ocean Multi-Use Commercialisation Roadmap, underscoring a strong commitment to promoting sustainable ocean multi-use.
Official Recognition:
Ocean Multi-Use is receiving formal recognition at the EU level, with several communications from the European Commission emphasizing the importance of integrating multi-use zones into Marine Spatial Plans (MSP).
Support for Member States:
The European Commission is actively assisting member states in improving the mapping of Ocean Multi-Use and incorporating these zones into their MSPs. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the efficient and sustainable use of marine resources.
Ocean Multi-Use Compendium:
As part of the MSP Platform, the Ocean Multi-Use Compendium collects and presents a wide array of multi-use solutions, including zoning in MSPs, regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and more. This resource serves as an invaluable guide for implementing effective multi-use practices.
Involvement of Insurance and Certification Bodies:
There is a recognized need for greater involvement of insurance and certification bodies. Sharing risk assessment data from existing pilots is crucial for building confidence in future commercial multi-use developments.
Looking Ahead:
While significant progress has been made, further efforts are required to fully realize the potential of ocean multi-use. By continuing to involve diverse stakeholders and share valuable data, we can structure more robust and commercially viable multi-use developments.
We extend our gratitude to the European Commission for their ongoing support and commitment to fostering sustainable practices in ocean multi-use. Together, we are making strides towards a more sustainable and efficient future for our oceans.
Download the presentations used during this event here:
1.MULTI-USE Conference Policy framework by DG MARE_Celine Frank
2.Policy framework Multi-Use at sea by DG-RTD Ivan Conesa Alcolea
3.UNITED project results
4.ULTFARMS project
5.MUSICA project
