The Mission Ocean Project A-AAgora represents a promising step forward for coastal regions across Norway, Ireland and Portugal, leading transformative actions to revolutionise ecosystem restoration. At its helm is a dedicated team, fervently committed to restoring aquatic ecosystems while engaging local communities in the process.
Scaling up nature-based solutions
Building upon the success of implementing nature-based solutions in diverse demonstration sites, including Troms Arctic Archipelago, Cork County in Ireland and the Centro Region of Portugal, A-AAgora serves as a pioneering platform for innovative actions. The project aims to gather data for global ocean science and direct research in coastal and marine regions. The ultimate goal of this exercise is to identify areas and locations where nature-based solutions can be effectively replicated or scaled-up.
Living Labs: a hub for collaboration
A key aspect of A-AAgora's approach is the Living Lab concept. This helps to foster collaboration between researchers, users, decision-makers, local communities, industry and SMEs. The approach integrates both existing and new knowledge, involving citizens and stakeholders in a democratic process, based on co-design and co-implementation. Additionally, the project focuses on co-developing blueprints for the Atlantic-Arctic lighthouse, dedicated to the restoration, protection and preservation of our oceans, seas and waters.
The solutions developed by A-AAgora are innovative and pioneering. They're demonstrating that restoring aquatic ecosystems on a large scale is achievable through the reduction of pressures, ecosystem-based management and effective nature-based solutions. From blue reforestation to revitalising local fish stocks and halting the decline in seabird populations, A-AAgora's initiatives are multifaceted and impactful. They're actively engaged in addressing coastal erosion, decarbonising ports and enhancing biodiversity within port infrastructures. These initiatives are designed to be scalable and replicable, serving as blueprints for future restoration efforts across our oceans, seas and waters.
Working with local communities
Crucially, A-AAgora's engagement with citizens is central to their restoration efforts. They bring a sense of ownership and participation among local communities through citizen science initiatives, engagement with schools and volunteer-led activities. By empowering citizens to contribute meaningfully to the restoration and preservation of aquatic ecosystems, A-AAgora is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
To find out more and get the latest updates from A-AAgora, check out their website.