European Climate Initiative (EUKI)’s Post

🌍 #AAORIAForum25 | Intergenerational Dialogue in Action Over the past days, more than 40 Early-Career Ocean Professionals (#ECOPs), supported by 5 mentors and 10 coaches from over 20 Atlantic countries, came together in Brussels. They’ve explored all seven priorities of the 2022 All-Atlantic Declaration, showing what “From Enlightenment to Action” really looks like. After a full day of presentations, group work and peer learning, a visit to the European Parliament, and the unveiling of much-anticipated ECOP Prize thanks to EuroMarine Network OYSTER EuroMarine, the five groups have now presented their pitches to the #AAORIAForum25 plenary, including: 🌊 Building a connection between the high seas (BBNJ) and the community 🏝️ Knowledge base for All-Atlantic coastal resilience 🔬 Bringing cooperation and sustainability into scientific resources 🐟 Connecting the disconnected: a network for Atlantic fisheries & aquaculture 📡 AAORIA Ocean Literacy Hackathon 🚨 Today also marked the launch of two flagship initiatives: the All-Atlantic Network of Coastal Resilience Beacon Sites and the Blue Intergenerational Programme. Head to https://lnkd.in/dGrTg-Y9 to know more! We leave #AAORIAForum25 Day 1 full of hope and ready to continue tomorrow with more dialogue, action, and #AtlanticAll cooperation. 🌍💡 #AtlanticAll #ECOPs #AAORIAForum25 #IntergenerationalDialogue #FromEnlightenmentToAction #ScienceDiplomacy EU Science, Research and Innovation

🌊 Making Waves in Deep-Sea Science! 🌏 Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) and Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore (LKCNHM) have joined an exciting deep-sea scientific expedition, launched in partnership with OceanX. The 24-day voyage aboard the OceanXplorer sets out to explore the Monsoon Rise — a remote seamount chain in the eastern Indian Ocean. Researchers from Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and the US will be mapping and documenting biodiversity at depths of up to 4,000m using state-of-the-art tools such as submersibles, benthic landers, and eDNA sampling. This mission marks Singapore’s first major scientific effort in international waters following the adoption of the UN Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, and contributes to the global understanding and protection of marine life in the high seas. As Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan shared, this mission reflects a new paradigm — one that values protection and knowledge-sharing over extraction. Specimens collected will be curated at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, supporting future research for the global scientific community. Wishing the entire expedition team fair weather and fruitful discoveries! The Straits Times has featured a full article on the expedition: https://str.sg/N79n NUS news also have an article on this expedition: https://lnkd.in/gFY7u9d2 #TMSI #MarineScience #MarineBiodiversity

🌍 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐧: 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐆𝐢𝐥 𝐑𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐯 𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐂𝐌𝐁 𝐗𝐈𝐈 🔥 On Thursday, 9 October 2025, Prof. Gil Rilov, Senior Scientist at Israel Oceanographic & Limnological Research and member of the PUREEF-Y consortium, presented his work at the 12th International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions (ICMB XII) in Madeira, in a talk titled: “Introducing METRO: a basin-scale study of Mediterranean tropicalization dynamics, impacts and solutions". 🌡️ Prof. Rilov highlighted how the Mediterranean Sea has become a 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, with warming waters driving the loss of native species and a surge of tropical invaders. These ecological shifts are already reshaping marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods, especially in the Levantine region, and are rapidly expanding westward and northward. His presentation introduced METRO, a research program that will use coordinated sampling, modelling and experimental work to investigate the loss of native species and the spread and impact of invaders. 🌊 Through PUREEF-Y, we contribute to this regional effort by actively monitoring bioinvasions in Cyprus’ waters and providing essential data to understand and mitigate tropicalization impacts across the Eastern Mediterranean, strengthening the foundation for a resilient and sustainable Mediterranean Sea. 🌿🐠 #PUREEF-Y #HorizonEurope #Twinning #HorizonEU #ResearchImpactEU #EUInnovation #CMMI #UAB #IOLR #MarineConservation #EasternMediterranean #EnvironmentalResearch #ClimateAction #ClimateChange #SustainableFuture #PolicyChange #MarineEcosystems #Biodiversity #BiodiversityProtection #MarineBiology #Biogeochemistry #EnvironmentalChemistry #MarinePollution #Ecology #HeavyMetals #MarineHeatwaves #MarineProtectedAreas #MesocosmExperiments #OceanAcidification #ShallowWaterEcosystems.  European Research Executive Agency (REA) EU Science, Research and Innovation

🌱 SOILPROM plenary meeting in Norway! 🇳🇴 Last month, all 12 partners of the SOILPROM project gathered once again — this time hosted by NIBIO Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research! The consortium shared first results, exchanged ideas, and planned the next steps of the project — and even took a field trip to visit the #Nes use-case in Akershus county, about 50 km northeast of Oslo. 🔬 The Norwegian use-case focuses on reducing #phosphorus loss from agricultural land to nearby freshwater bodies — a challenge that can cause eutrophication, algal blooms, and reduced water quality. 📊 Using the #ICECREAM model, NIBIO researchers are simulating how nutrients move through soil and water — supported by decades of data from Norway’s #JOVA monitoring programme, dating back to 1992. 👉 Learn more: https://soilprom.eu/ The project has been funded under the #HorizonEurope programme of the European Commission. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: Wageningen University & Research (Wageningen University) | Wageningen University & Research (Stichting Wageningen Research) | NIBIO Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research | VITO | Forschungszentrum Jülich | Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena | Agricultural University of Athens | Gdańsk University of Technology | Savonia University of Applied Sciences | Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) | Euroquality - Tinexta Innovation Hub | Masaryk University (RECETOX) #Soilpromproject #horizoneurope #EUfunded #REA #environment #soilhealth #phosphorus

🎥 What’s really going on beneath the surface in Haderslev Fjord? In this video, our water environment researcher Flemming Gertz retrieves sensors from both the seabed and surface waters of Haderslev Fjord. These sensors, along with water samples sent for lab analysis, help us understand how nitrogen and phosphorus interact in the aquatic ecosystem. The goal? To generate valuable insights that can improve the ecological status of Haderslev Fjord — and inspire similar efforts in other Danish fjords facing oxygen depletion challenges. 🌊 Transparency matters. That’s why we share this work openly — so farmers, municipalities, utilities, advisors, and citizens can engage with the realities and development of their local water environment. At SEGES Innovation, we truly value the strong collaboration with our partners: Spiras, Haderslev Kommune, Provas Forsyningsservice, Aarhus University, Longline Environment, Syddansk Universitet - University of Southern Denmark, Danmarks Naturfredningsforening, Sønderjysk Sportsfiskerforening (Angling Association) #HaderslevFjord #WaterEnvironment #TransparencyMatters #StakeholderEngagement #EnvironmentalMonitoring #DanishFjords Video production by Martin Stoltenberg Hansen

Representing our #iforplan project funded by ForestValue2 at EUFORE meeting in #Brussels. The #iforplan project is leaded by Andrej Boncina (University of Ljubljana) and deals with #forest zoning for multiple #ecosystemservices. Read more at: https://iforplan.eu/ Partners include Natural Resources Institute Finland / Luonnonvarakeskus, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Poznaniu and Estonian University of Life Sciences.

Day 5 at #WIOMSA2025 was an inspiring opportunity to support two pivotal sessions advancing the role of seagrass ecosystems in shaping a resilient and regenerative Blue Economy in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). The first session, “Scaling Up Seagrass Science and Stewardship for Socio-Ecological Resilience and a Regenerative Blue Economy in the WIO,” co-led by IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa, RECOS, and WIOMSA - Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association under the WIOCOR project (funded by the Agence française de développement dans l'océan Indien), highlighted the critical contributions of seagrass ecosystems to biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods across Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Discussions showcased the forthcoming WIO Seagrass Status Report, innovations in carbon storage research, spatial connectivity, and community-based monitoring, alongside efforts to embed seagrass protection within national policies such as NBSAPs, NDCs, and marine spatial plans. The second session, “Building a Regional Seagrass Strategy and Bridging Science–Policy,” convened researchers, policymakers, and practitioners—led by Prof. Gwilym Rowlands —to accelerate collaboration toward a Regional Seagrass Strategy and Action Plan under the Nairobi Convention COP Decision 11. The dialogue emphasized the importance of integrating seagrass into climate goals, marine spatial planning, and blue economy strategies to unlock its full potential for climate adaptation, fisheries, and coastal protection. Together, these efforts mark a strong step toward uniting science, policy, and community action for seagrass conservation aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Ocean Decade of Ocean Science. 🌊💙 #WIOMSA2025 #Seagrass #WIOCOR #IUCN #RECOS #WIOMSA #BlueEconomy #ClimateAction #MarineConservation #NatureBasedSolutions #NairobiConvention

🌿 In Czechia’s northern regions — especially across Liberec and Ústí nad Labem — the climate is changing faster than ever. 🔥 Longer heatwaves, recurring droughts, and sudden heavy rains are reshaping landscapes, stressing ecosystems, and testing local infrastructure. 💧 Flooding along mountain streams and valleys is becoming more unpredictable, while water scarcity remains a persistent concern during dry summers. In this dynamic environment, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem (UJEP) is taking a leading role in the Climate_CRICES Interreg Central Europe project connecting academic expertise from Ústí nad Labem with local partners in the Liberec Region, where the pilot activities are being implemented. 📗 UJEP’s team is analysing the impacts of climate change, identifying gaps in existing management plans, and helping local and regional authorities strengthen their capacity to plan and adapt. By engaging stakeholders and improving access to reliable climate data, they are helping translate the project’s strategy into practical, data-driven actions for the region. 🤝 Working closely with partners from Germany’s Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER) and Poland’s Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences (UPWr), they contribute to a shared vision for a more resilient Lusatian Neisse River basin — where knowledge, data, and solutions flow freely across borders. Because rivers don’t stop at borders — and neither should climate resilience. 🔗Climate_CRICES strategy: https://lnkd.in/eCx8T8ck 🌐Climate_CRICES website: https://lnkd.in/dEmQF8z2   #Climate_CRICES #ClimateResilience #AdaptationStrategies #EUProjects #Collaboration #ClimateChange #ClimateChanging #ClimateResilience #DataScience #CentralEurope #Sustainability #EnvironmentalProtection #InterregCentralEurope #ERDF #Interreg

The 2-hour hike in the wild forest 🌳 of Leipzig as part of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)-sponsored global seminar on chemical pollution monitoring was both fascinating and exciting! We went through a very vast, rich, robust & unperturbed landscape of lush green vegetation, forest, biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems which are just natural buffers for climate resilience! This expedition was part of our global pilot study for ecological surveys and water 💦 sampling to ensure we had balanced and representative samples for our experiments 🔬! Seeing this multi- dimensional and disciplinary approach to #OneWorld, #OneHealth and #UNSDGs-driven project being pioneered by ecologists, environmental chemists, environmental scientists/legal professionals, ecotoxicologists, ecologists, biologists, hydrologists, geologists, policymakers, global organizations (UNEP rep was among this cohort), life scientists and many more experts, demonstrates the undeniable commitment of the intentional and purpose-driven sponsors to global #environmentalsustainability! We are now analyzing all our water samples collected from our various countries and Leipzig to determine the impact of anthropogenic pollution on sensitive and vulnerable aquatic environments that benefit many indigenous communities as very important ecosystem services! Sustainable solutions to these challenges will also be proffered once the datasets are available and fully analyzed! #SDG17PartnershipsForTheGoals #ClimateAction The Elsevier Foundation

🌍 NaturaConnect at the first IPBES Spatial Planning and Connectivity Assessment From 22-26 September, IIASA is hosting the first author meeting of the IPBES Spatial Planning and Connectivity Assessment in Laxenburg, Austria.  It will explore how spatial planning can integrate biodiversity and human wellbeing – tackling issues such as land and water use, ecological restoration, protected areas, and ecological connectivity. We are proud to share that NaturaConnect expertise is strongly represented in the assessment: 🔹 Peter Verburg – Co-Chair of the assessment 🔹 Piero Visconti – Coordinating Lead Author, Chapter 3 (protected areas & ecological restoration) 🔹 Virgilio Hermoso – Lead Author, Chapter 3 🔹 Martin Jung– Lead Author, Chapter 4 (ecological connectivity in spatial planning) 🔹 Clara Veerkamp (PBL) – Lead Author, Chapter 5 With IIASA as host of this first author meeting, the NaturaConnect community is directly contributing to shaping the scientific foundations and practical tools needed to achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework targets. This is exactly what NaturaConnect is about: embedding ecological knowledge, conservation objectives, and inclusive approaches into spatial planning – to better align biodiversity protection and human wellbeing. 👉 Learn more: https://buff.ly/6WyBskS Austrian Academy of Sciences - Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften (ÖAW) International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) IPBES #NaturaConnect #HorizonEU