OBAMA-NEXT Hits 18-Month Milestone with Significant Achievements in Marine Biodiversity Monitoring
At the 18-month mark, the OBAMA-NEXT project has achieved several milestones, as outlined in its latest progress report. This period has seen substantial advancements in the tools and methodologies designed to enhance the monitoring and management of marine ecosystems.
Since the beginning, OBAMA-NEXT has made significant progress in several key areas. One of the pivotal accomplishments includes the development of an Information Product (IP) catalogue. This evolving document is crucial for tailoring solutions to meet the specific needs of decision-makers at all governance levels. By consulting with the Practitioners Advisory Board, the project has ensured that its outputs are aligned with policy needs, ensuring that the tools developed are both practical and impactful.
In terms of technological advancements, OBAMA-NEXT has embraced various emerging technologies, such as environmental DNA (eDNA), remote sensing, and artificial intelligence. These technologies have been integrated into a cohesive framework that enhances the capability to study and protect marine biodiversity. For example, the project has conducted extensive reviews and established best practices for new technologies, enabling more effective data sharing and processing across European learning sites.
Moreover, the project’s efforts to bridge the gap between data collection and policy application are coming to fruition. With a focus on marine policy needs, OBAMA-NEXT has evaluated EU and international requirements, refining the IP catalogue to better support marine conservation strategies. This includes improving the design and assessment of Marine Protected Area networks and assessing the blue carbon potential of various habitats.
As OBAMA-NEXT moves forward, it continues to emphasize collaboration and knowledge exchange, in particular with sister Horizon Europe projects, such as MARCO-BOLO and DiverSea. This approach not only enhances the project’s outputs but also ensures they are grounded in the latest scientific research, in agreement with fellow scientists, and tailored to meet the evolving needs of marine ecosystem management.
Discover more about our journey and achievements by exploring our available resources.
