Publications

Publication:Policy Brief
 
This sectoral brief explores how transitioning to a Nature-Positive Economy requires transforming marine industries from drivers of biodiversity loss to forces for ocean restoration. It was developed under the EU research project GoNaturePositive!

Blue Economy

Sectoral Brief

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Publication:Report
 
This report published under the EU-funded GoNaturePositive! project offers a comprehensive baseline assessment to support the transition toward a nature-positive economy. The report provides an in-depth analysis of EU policy instruments and co-operative initiatives, identifying their alignment with nature positive principles and opportunities to reduce environmental harm, restore ecosystems, and foster systemic change.

Mapping Policy and Co-operate Initiative Landscapes for Systemic Change Towards a Nature-positive Economy

GoNaturePositive! Report

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Publication:Article
 
The image shows the title page of an article from the journal 'Frontiers in Marine Science' titled 'Exploring marine conservation and climate adaptation synergies and strategies in European seas as an emerging nexus: a review.' The article was written by Gregory Fuchs, Fenja Kroos, Cordula Scherer, Miriam Seifert, and Nico Stelljes. It is a systematic literature review that explores approaches to marine conservation and climate adaptation strategies in European seas.
This review explores the potential synergies between marine conservation and climate adaptation strategies, which are critical for addressing climate change impacts in European coastal and marine areas. The article, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, identifies and evaluates integrated approaches that support both marine ecosystem protection and climate adaptation.

Exploring Marine Conservation and Climate Adaptation Synergies and Strategies in European Seas as an Emerging Nexus

A review

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Publication:Article
 
Plastic pollution has become a severe global crisis, posing grave threats to the environment, human health, and sustainable development. Driven by unchecked plastic production, the problem worsens through the entire lifecycle of plastics—from creation to disposal—releasing not only large debris but also microscopic particles, monomers, and thousands of chemical additives. These pollutants travel worldwide via air and water currents, damaging ecosystems and wildlife, including marine species that suffer from entanglement, ingestion, and toxicity. This editorial is part of a Special Issue "An effective plastic treaty for marine life".

An Effective Plastic Treaty for Marine Life

Editorial to the Special Issue

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Publication:Document
 
1st page of the impulse paper "Nature and society in marine research Perspectives for interdisciplinary cooperation in the Anthropocene"
The environmental crises caused by humans do not stop at the oceans. To effectively tackle these complex challenges, new forms of scientific cooperation are needed. This impulse paper argues in favour of strategically strengthened cooperation between the natural, technical, social and cultural sciences. It presents five key areas of development that should pave the way for more socially relevant marine research in the future - from reforms in education to structural outreach to society. Dr Grit Martinez from the Ecologic Institute, who has been committed to combining social science and humanities perspectives and environmental research for many years, contributed to this impulse paper.

Nature and Society in Marine Research

Perspectives for interdisciplinary cooperation in the Anthropocene

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
RESTORE4C Policy Brief Coastal Wetlands
The first policy brief of the EU-funded RESTORE4Cs project highlights the importance of European coastal wetlands in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere, promoting their restoration as a climate change mitigation solution.

How Can Coastal Wetlands Help Achieve EU Climate Goals?

A Policy Brief from the RESTORE4Cs project

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Publication:Infographic
 
Poster titled 'Synergies and Strategies for Marine Protection and Climate Adaptation,' illustrating a research project on integrating marine protection and climate adaptation in coastal areas. The poster features a diagram of the Nexus approach, highlighting connections between marine protection, climate adaptation, socio-economic integration, policy, governance, and potential conflicts. Visual elements include various restoration, construction, and management measures ...
The poster ‘Synergies and Strategies for Marine Protection and Climate Adaptation’ presents key results and approaches of research on the integration of marine protection and climate adaptation. It shows how these two areas can be linked in order to effectively meet the challenges of climate change in marine and coastal ecosystems.

Synergien und Strategien für Meersschutz und Klimaanpassung

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Publication:Report
 
Titelseite eines Berichts mit dem Titel 'Fachliche Unterstützung der Umsetzung der EG-Meeresstrategie-Rahmenrichtlinie (MSRL)', Texte Nummer 31/2024. Herausgegeben vom Umweltbundesamt, mit einer Liste von Autoren, die in der Meeresforschung und Ökologie tätig sind.
This report focuses on the assessment of the status of the marine environment, the definition of environmental objectives and the development of programs of measures to achieve good environmental status. It provides guidance to Member States on the assessment of marine waters, identifies key pressures and pressures factors and offers approaches for setting environmental targets. It supports the development of monitoring programs and the implementation of measures to reduce pollution and conserve biodiversity. The technical assistance aims to promote cooperation between Member States and create a coherent framework for maritime policy in the EU.

Fachliche Unterstützung der Umsetzung der EG-Meeresstrategie-Rahmenrichtlinie (MSRL)

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Publication:Case Study
 
Cover page of the 'M3.1 BUSINESS BRIEFS - GREEK PILOT' document with a top-down view of a marine vessel. A person in a red safety suit is climbing a yellow ladder, symbolizing active marine operations. The bottom section invites readers to 'Visit United website' and lists authors Manuel Lago - ECOLOGIC, Youssef Zaiter - ACTeon, and editor Ivana Lukic from Submariner Network for Blue Growth EWIV.
This UNITED project business brief discusses the legal framework and environmental implications of a project in the Greek Aegean combining aquaculture and tourism, including laws and regulations, particularly in relation to marine conservation, permitting and marine spatial planning.

Greek Pilot

Business Brief

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Publication:Case Study
 
Cover page of the 'M3.1 BUSINESS BRIEFS - German PILOT' document with a top-down view of a marine vessel. A person in a red safety suit is climbing a yellow ladder, symbolizing active marine operations. The bottom section invites readers to 'Visit United website' and lists authors Manuel Lago - ECOLOGIC, Youssef Zaiter - ACTeon, and editor Ivana Lukic from Submariner Network for Blue Growth EWIV.
This UNITED project business brief discusses the legal framework and environmental impacts of a project in the German North Sea that combines offshore wind energy and aquaculture, including the laws and regulations that apply to offshore installations in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

German Pilot

Business Brief

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Publication:Case Study
 
"Cover page of the 'M3.1 BUSINESS BRIEFS - DANISH PILOT' document with a top-down view of a marine vessel. A person in a red safety suit is climbing a yellow ladder, symbolizing active marine operations. The bottom section invites readers to 'Visit United website' and lists authors Manuel Lago - ECOLOGIC, Youssef Zaiter - ACTeon, and editor Ivana Lukic from Submariner Network for Blue Growth EWIV.
This Business Brief of the UNITED project examines the legal and environmental aspects of a project that successfully combines offshore wind energy production with innovative tourism activities.

Danish Pilot

Business Brief

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Publication:Case Study
 
Cover page of the 'M3.1 BUSINESS BRIEFS - BELGIAN PILOT' document with a top-down view of a marine vessel. A person in a red safety suit is climbing a yellow ladder, symbolizing active marine operations. The bottom section invites readers to 'Visit United website' and lists authors Manuel Lago - ECOLOGIC, Youssef Zaiter - ACTeon, and editor Ivana Lukic from Submariner Network for Blue Growth EWIV.
This UNITED project business brief examines the legal and environmental aspects of a Belgian project using offshore wind farms in the North Sea for the cultivation of flat oysters and seaweed. Particular attention is paid to environmental benefits, such as improved water quality and biodiversity, as well as potential challenges, including permitting procedures.

Belgian Pilot

Business Brief

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Publication:Website
 
screenshot of the srevice portal "Mission Ocean and Waters"
The Mission Ocean and Waters service portal is now live and serves as a comprehensive one-stop-shop for stakeholders, offering essential tools, contacts, knowledge, matchmaking, financing, and support for the successful execution of the EU Mission "Restore our ocean and waters by 2030". The service portal ensures access to knowledge for all citizens while extending support and technical assistance to Mission Partners actively involved in the Mission Ocean and Waters implementation.

Mission Ocean and Waters Service Portal

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the report "Implementation of ecological flows in the EU" for the European Commission
This report elaborates the main challenges faced by water management institutions in implementing e-flows in EU Member States, presents country progress in developing relevant good practices and presents relevant implementation examples.

Implementation of E-flows in the EU

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover page of a policy brief dated September 19th, 2023, titled 'POLICY BRIEF: Assessment on the added value of Marine Multi-Use within UNITED pilots'. The background features a soft-focus image of wind turbines at sea. The EU flag is present with a disclaimer about funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Authors Manuel Lago - ECOLOGIC, Youssef Zaiter - ACTeon, and editors Ivana Lukic, Agnese Cosulich from Submariner Network for Blue Growth EWIV are credited.
As competition for, and interest in, use of ocean space increases, a need for management arises to optimize activity in marine areas. This policy brief provides a comprehensive consideration of the economic efficiency of marine multi-use (MU) by weighing the pros and cons of individual use options against potential MU combinations.

Assessment on the Added Value of Marine Multi-Use within UNITED Pilots

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Publication:Article
 
First page of the community case study "Sharing communication insights of the citizen science program Plastic Pirates—best practices from 7 years of engaging schoolchildren and teachers in plastic pollution research"
This article illustrates the communication strategies that were successfully applied in the citizen science program Plastic Pirates in Germany. The program engages schoolchildren, teachers and youth groups in plastic pollution research. A variety of communication strategies have been implemented and continuously revised and adapted since the start of the program in 2016.

Sharing Communication Insights of the Citizen Science Program Plastic Pirates

Best practices from 7 years of engaging schoolchildren and teachers in plastic pollution research

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Publication:Article
 
Hinzmann Mederake EU single use plastics directive article
This article, co-authored by Mandy Hinzmann and Linda Mederake from Ecologic Institute, assesses the potential of the EU "Single-Use Plastics Directive" (SUPD) to reduce litter pollution in the environment with three scenarios. The scenario analysis revealed that the success the current SUPD can be an important first step, yet further legislative actions are needed to effectively prevent plastic waste pollution - bans alone are not sufficient. The success of the Directive is therefore highly dependent on implementation and enforcement.

What Potential Does the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive Have for Reducing Plastic Pollution at Coastlines and Riversides?

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover of the policy brief "Why is nature restoration critical for marine areas?"
This policy brief explores the potential and benefits of marine restoration, as proposed in the regulation. Marine and coastal ecosystems are immensely important for biodiversity and human well-being. Restoring marine areas can enable the respective ecosystems to (once again) perform their natural functions, improving their overall health and resilience.

Why is Nature Restoration Critical for Marine Areas?

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Publication:Podcast
 
Ecologic Institute
Since we learned how to produce plastic, humans have manufactured more than 8.3 billion tons of it – most of which ended up as waste somewhere on the planet. This leads plastic waste to enter the landscape, rivers, beaches, and eventually ocean. We asked our listeners what, in their opinion, is the issue with plastic pollution. The answers ranged from negative impacts on human health and the environment to lack of recycling infrastructure and the global dimension of the plastics problem.

From Packaging to Microplastics: Unwrapping EU plastics policies

Sixth episode of the podcast "Green Deal – Big Deal?"

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the indedendent expert report "Baseline study for the implementation of lighthouses of the Mission ‘Restore our ocean and waters by 2030’: Atlantic, Arctic, Danube and Mediterranean lighthouses"
This study analyses the objectives, targets and activities of the EU Mission 'Restore our ocean and waters by 2030'. It proposes a draft set of indicators for measuring the Mission's progress, maps major stakeholders and networks, and offers recommendations for the future implementation of the Mission.

Baseline Study for the Implementation of Lighthouses of the Mission 'Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030'

Atlantic, Arctic, Danube and Mediterranean lighthouses

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover of the T20 policy brief "towards an international agreement on plastic pollution: the role of the G20
This policy brief investigates the gaps in the existing international treaties on marine plastic pollution and proposes components that need to be considered in a new treaty. These proposals will complement the G20 work on plastic pollution. Furthermore, since the G20 summit will be held in Indonesia in 2022, the focus of this policy brief will not only be relevant to G20 countries but also to Southeast Asia as the biggest contributor of marine plastics.

Towards an International Agreement on Plastic Pollution: The Role of the G20

T20 Policy Brief

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Publication:Case Study
 
Cover of the case study "marine conservation in the Alaskan Arctic"
The case study provides an overview of the Alaskan marine Arctic environment in terms of: 1) the state and status of its ecosystems and their biodiversity; 2) the drivers and associated pressures that impact marine ecosystem health, as well as 3) the policies in place to protect the marine environment, in particular through marine protected areas.

Marine Conservation in the Alaskan Arctic

ArkMPA Case Study: USA / Alaska

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Publication:Case Study
 
Title page of the Canada ArkMPA-case study
This report contains one of six case studies of the ArkMPA, including five on marine policies in states bordering the Arctic Ocean, and one overarching regional report. The case study provides an overview of the Canadian marine Arctic environment in terms of: 1) the state and status of its ecosystems and their biodiversity; 2) the drivers and associated pressures that impact marine ecosystem health, as well as 3) the policies in place to protect the marine environment, in particular through marine protected areas.

Marine Conservation in the Canadian Arctic

ArkMPA Case Study: Canada

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover of the policy brief "The Arctic blue economy. Current state, developments, and implications for marine conservation"
This policy brief surveys the current state and recent development of the Arctic blue economy in the five Arctic coastal states (Canada, Denmark, USA, Russia and Norway), as well as the Arctic High Seas, to understand potential impacts on Arctic marine biodiversity. It also analyses the driving factors behind these developments.

The Arctic Blue Economy

Current state, developments, and implications for marine conservation

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Publication:Flyer
 
flyer's 1st page with the titel "Together for a healthy Baltic Sea! The Action Plan of the Helsinki Commission", UBA logo and an under water shot with green sea grass and clear blue water above
The priorities of the German chairmanship of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) from 2020 to 2022 included strengthened ocean governance in the Baltic Sea region, updating the Baltic Sea Action Plan and measures on biodiversity, climate, eutrophication, pollutants, ammunition dumps, underwater noise and marine litter. The ten-year Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), which was adopted by the environment ministers of the Baltic Sea states and the European Union in Lübeck in 2021, provides for around 200 measures. Specific programs and strategies complement these measures. The goal: a healthy and sustainably used Baltic Sea. This flyer, conceived and designed by Ecologic Institute, provides an overview of the Baltic Sea Action Plan and the work of the Helsinki Commission.

Together for a Healthy Baltic Sea!

The Action Plan of the Helsinki Commission

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover of the publication "Key Messages of the BMBF-Research Focus "Plastics in the Environment – Sources· Sinks · Solutions". Short version"
This brochure summarizes the most important key messages from 20 joint research projects and seven cross-cutting topics of the German research focus "Plastics in the Environment". The brochure is structured along the life cycle of plastics and includes five sections: Green Economy, Consumption, Recycling, Fresh-water Ecosystems, and Saltwater Ecosystems.

Key Messages of the BMBF Research Focus "Plastics in the Environment"

Short version

Year

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Publication:Brochure
 
Cover Key Messages
The publication summarizes the key messages from all 20 joint research projects and the seven cross-cutting topics of the German research focus "Plastics in the Environment". Structured by main topics, the central results are presented in order to derive recommendations for various addressees. More than 70 researchers and practitioners from across the research focus have jointly co-authored the key messages.

Key Messages of the BMBF-Research Focus "Plastics in the Environment – Sources· Sinks · Solutions"

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Publication:Website
 
Screenshot der Website
The Ecologic Institute designed and developed the theme day website "Plastic in the Environment". It contained the event documentation and programme information.

Thementag: Plastik in der Umwelt

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Publication:Article
 
Screenshot of the 1st page of the article "Climate Adaptation Interventions in Coastal Areas: A Rapid Review of Social and Gender Dimensions"
This paper presents the results of a rapid review of the literature on gender and coastal climate adaptation conducted for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report (AR6). The findings highlight the lack of data on gender as a social dimension of adaptation and the gaps in current indicators for monitoring the Sustainable Development Goal for gender (SDG5). The paper emphasises the need for gender-disaggregated data on coastal adaptation efforts to fully capture both positive and negative gender dimensions of climate adaptation.

Climate Adaptation Interventions in Coastal Areas

A Rapid Review of Social and Gender Dimensions

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Publication:Report
 
Cover of the UNITED Deliverable 1.3: Business Analysis of United Pilots dated March 2022.
The UNITED project report "Business Analysis of UNITED Pilots" provides a detailed business analysis of the various pilot projects. This analysis includes an assessment of the economic viability, SWOT and PESTEL analyses as well as a review of the financial aspects of the projects. The aim of the report is to assess the financial attractiveness and feasibility of multi-use concepts in European marine areas, with a particular focus on the synergies and challenges arising from the combination of different maritime activities.

Business Analysis of United Pilots

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Publication:Video
 
On 21 May 2022, the Ocean Literacy Festival hosted numerous activities organised by the EU4Ocean Coalition members. The festival connected ocean literacy actors from Europe, and showcased the wide diversity of ocean literacy initiatives already in place. Ecologic Institute developed a social media video trailer to give the festival more visibility.

Ocean Literacy Festival

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