Expected Outcome:
Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:
- Definition of clear science-based conservation objectives and conservation measures that contribute to the restoration and protection of marine ecosystems and to effective management of protected areas;
- Evidence for effective decision-making process at Member States and Associated Countries level to ensure sustainable management of offshore marine protected areas;
- Contribution to policy development and implementation linked to protecting and restoring marine biodiversity and ecosystems;
- New offshore marine protected areas proposed and/or established;
- Improved knowledge about offshore marine ecosystems (including deep sea ecosystems)and biodiversity in view of protection and conservation demo activities;
- Enhancement of the provision of ecosystem services compatible with the protection and restoration of the offshore ecosystems, leading to sustainable and scalable business models;
- Active support to the Mission's Digital Ocean and Water Knowledge system through advances in biological, ecosystem and socio-economic knowledge applied to restoration and conservation;
- Active support to the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework;
- Reinforced EU leadership in international efforts for marine protection, in line with the EU key priorities and international commitments.
Only 8% of offshore marine waters in the EU are covered by marine protected areas (MPAs), compared to 48% of nearshore (0-1 nautical mile) and 27%
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