OBAMA-NEXT and MARCO-BOLO Joint Annual Meeting: Paving the way for collaborative years to come
In a productive week of discussions, workshops, and networking, the OBAMA-NEXT and MARCO-BOLO projects held their joint annual meeting, from the 5th till the 9th of February 2024, setting the tone for future collaboration between projects.
The meeting showcased poster presentations, highlighting recent advancements and findings from both projects. A significant focus of the meeting was also the workshops conducted during the last two days that covered crucial topics, from data management and analysis to the application of new technologies, underscoring the commitment of both projects to work together towards shared goals.
The joint sessions served not only as a platform for presenting progress updates but also for charting future directions. Discussions delved into challenges such as climate change impacts on marine biodiversity, the use of diverse biodiversity monitoring tools, and the integration of advanced statistical models for spatial data analysis. These conversations highlighted the projects’ roles in shaping data standards that meet European marine policies and conservation strategies.
Networking opportunities abounded, with participants forming new collaborations and strengthening existing ones. The diversity of partners and countries present at the meeting, illustrated the wide-reaching impact of OBAMA-NEXT and MARCO-BOLO.
As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the joint efforts of OBAMA-NEXT and MARCO-BOLO are crucial in navigating the complexities of data needs, as well as the importance of converting data into information products relevant for marine biodiversity stakeholders. By sharing knowledge, resources, and goals, these projects are not only advancing scientific understanding but also contributing to setting new standards for future marine biodiversity monitoring efforts.
The OBAMA-NEXT and MARCO-BOLO joint annual meeting, held in February 2024, has laid the groundwork for a year of ambitious research and collaboration, which is key as the projects rapidly move forward towards the 18 month reporting milestone.
