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- Expert knowledge-based co-development of scenarios for maritime spatial planning in the Northeast AtlanticPublication . Calado, Helena; Pegorelli, Camila; Vergílio, Marta H. S.; Hipólito, Cláudia; Campos, Aldino; Moniz, Fabiana; Costa, Ana Cristina; Silva, C. Pereira da; Fonseca, Catarina; Santos, C. Frazão; Gabriel, Daniela; Guerreiro, J.; Gil, Artur José Freire; Johnson, David; Ng, Kiat; Monwar, M. M.; Ventura, Maria A.; Suárez-de Vivero, J. L.; Pinho, Mário Rui; Borges, Paulo Jorge Soares de Amaral; Caña-Varona, Mario; Papaioannou, E. A.Scenarios constitute narratives or storylines that reasonably describe how the future is likely to unfold. The usefulness of scenarios in Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) is now recognised within policy and research, with many institutions urging the development of likely trajectories in the future state of the marine environment and space. However, little progress exists in the actual development and application of actual scenario building approaches. This paper presents the methodology and results of such an approach developed within the framework of the “Geographical and Political Scenarios in Maritime Spatial Planning for the Azores and North Atlantic (GPS Azores)” project. A scenario-building approach for MSP in the area is developed and future scenarios’ storylines are formulated through the active engagement of regional experts. Outcomes from the analysis enable identifying the major risks and opportunities in the management and use of marine space and key maritime sectors, under different scenarios. Three storylines are developed representing distinct trajectories in the use and governance of marine space: (i) Nature at Work; (ii) Business-as-usual; and (iii) Blue Development. Final storylines are the outcome of intense experts’ engagement throughout the scenario-building exercise, stressing the usefulness of such participative approaches. Results can assist policymakers in the context of an adaptive and participatory MSP approach. The methodology can be tailored to other regions, while results can be revisited and adapted as new information and knowledge emerge.
- Mapping recreational ecosystem services from stakeholders' perspective in the AzoresPublication . Seijo Núñez, Cristina; Calado, Helena; McClintock, William; Gil, Artur José Freire; Fonseca, CatarinaMapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) in Europe’s Outermost Regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) is still underdeveloped compared to the European mainland. Most of those territories are small islands for which Marine and Coastal Ecosystems (MCE) constitute a significant resource and provide important provisioning, regulating and cultural Ecosystem Services (ES). Understanding the cultural dimension of ecosystems and considering the cultural benefits and values associated with them, demands methodological plurality, flexibility and creativity. This study focused on two activities related to recreational ES (recreational fishing and recreational SCUBA diving) that are particularly relevant to São Miguel Island (Archipelago of the Azores, Portugal). Stakeholders were interviewed using SeaSketch, a participatory mapping tool in which they indicated where they conduct recreational fishing and scuba diving, the relative value of those areas, in terms of preference over other areas and their willingness to relinquish them for the purpose of conservation. Responses were aggregated and represented in maps showing key areas for the provision of recreational ES around São Miguel. This approach can be used in the Azorean Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) process and other on-going conservation initiatives, to better understand the trade-offs between relevant socio-economic activities and to support negotiations between the government and groups of stakeholders.
- CRYPTO Project - What we found so farPublication . Gabriel, Daniela; Fredericq, Suzanne; Teixeira, Carlos E. P.; Calado, HelenaABSTRACT: The presence of non-indigenous species (NIS) is one of the greatest threats to marine biodiversity, presenting potential impacts not only on biodiversity, but also on the economy and public health. When a species is not evidently native or introduced, it is referred to as cryptogenic, an occurrence with consequences for understanding biological invasions. The subregion Azores, with 30% of the EU exclusive economic zone, has 26 species of macroalgae or 6% of its marine flora identified as NIS. This number may increase once the origin of 40 other species that are classified as cryptogenic is clarified. Since many potentially invasive species are currently categorized as cryptogenic, resolving their status is imperative to evaluate their ecological impact and to develop management plans. The CRYPTO Project targets on assessing the origin, distribution and risk of potentially invasive algae, coupled with the application of DNA barcoding, phylogenetic reconstructions, haplotype networks and phylogeographic analyses, coupled with historical assessment and ocean modeling. This project shall contribute to address the EU Horizon 2020’s societal challenge “Climate action, environment, resource efficiency and raw materials”, aiming at the protection of the environment and the conservation of unique Azorean ecosystems. Preliminary results will be presented.
- Beyond words: Outreach and science education for Generation AlphaPublication . Gabriel, Daniela; Calado, HelenaIn the last decades, there has been an increase in science education out of the school grounds, as well as growing interactions between researchers and the general public in outreach actions. In this regard, it is important to turn science into something meaningful to the non-academic public, and even involve them in data collection. The communication of science to elementary and middle schoolers is becoming more challenging as the age gap between children and researchers grows. Besides, Gen Alpha are usually born in small families, with increasingly less contact with their piers out of school and sport clubs, being somewhat resistant to exploratory or non-routine activities. One approach to reach this public is to take them out of the classroom, letting them make and answer questions as they observe the subjects. To engage in a successful communication, one needs to learn their “language” and be able to make comparisons with games, songs, and choreography they know and like. Another approach is to use games, from adapting simple board games to creating interactive games with virtual reality. Ultimately, the goal is to pass a message so simple and interesting that they easily and eagerly communicate it further to friends and family.