Ecosystem-based management and Marine Spatial Planning e-learning program

The Mediterranean basin has a number of human pressures that threaten marine and coastal ecosystems and biodiversity. These pressures arise from several sectors such as maritime traffic, fishing, industry and tourism.

Aim of the tool

This tool is designed to educate a large scope of stakeholders. It aims to give its target groups knowledge in terms of Ecosystem-based Management and Marine Spatial Planning and to share case studies. Ecosystem-based Management is considered the best practice to effectively deal with threats to the Mediterranean basin since this approach considers the different stakeholders, factors affecting ecosystems and the mechanisms involved, to find solutions.

Main objectives

It is expected that participants will learn new monitoring, geospatial and management tools that have been developed through Ecosystem-based Management best practices and applied to Marine Spatial Planning at local, regional and international levels. Through case studies, course participants will also learn about new governance approaches and actions that are based on the involvement and strong collaboration among public and private stakeholders.

Technological infrastructure

A computer/tablet, an Internet browser (Firefox or Google Chrome recommended) and an internet connection are required to access the Ecosystem-based Management and Marine Spatial Planning e-learning program.

Training

Training is not required, a user-friendly platform ensures that all targeted audiences can use it.

Investment

Access to the Interreg Euro-MED Academy website is free.

Concept

The Ecosystem-based Management and Marine Spatial Planning e-learning program is a tool available through the Interreg Euro-MED Academy website. The learning program is divided into four different modules with an expected combined workload of 7-10 hours, including videos, reading activities, questionnaires, quizzes, webinar attendance, podcasts, and a final assignment. A tutor will assist participants during the course and seek networking opportunities to support the interaction between speakers and students during the webinars.

Pilot areas

The Interreg Euro-MED Academy is available all over the world, with a focus on Mediterranean cases (north and south basins).

Implementation Dates

A first edition took place in April and May 2022. Further editions may come depending on the results.

The e-learning program is only available in English and for a short period of time (4-5 weeks).

Quantitative results

Number of participants who enrol in the course and finish it.

Key deliverables

No key deliverables are expected for this tool, further editions with other speakers may come.

Transfer potential

The e-learning program is accessible to anyone interested in biodiversity protection and the implementation of an Ecosystem-based approach in Maritime Spatial Planning in the Mediterranean.

Such a tool is needed to support the implementation of Ecosystem-based Management and Marine Spatial Planning approaches which combine biodiversity protection, sustainable exploitation of marine resources and different uses at sea.

• The Mediterranean Sea represents 1% of the global ocean surface but hosts 20% of global marine biodiversity. However, anthropogenic pressures, as well as some countries’ socio-political contexts, make conservation measures difficult.

• There are only 1231 Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean basin. This means that most of the Mediterranean Sea is not under any limits or control.