{"id":1075,"date":"2025-04-20T13:16:48","date_gmt":"2025-04-20T13:16:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/envrio.eu\/efxinnos\/?p=1075"},"modified":"2025-04-20T13:22:41","modified_gmt":"2025-04-20T13:22:41","slug":"the-efxinnos-project-presented-to-the-monitoring-committee-of-the-interreg-next-black-sea-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/envrio.eu\/efxinnos\/the-efxinnos-project-presented-to-the-monitoring-committee-of-the-interreg-next-black-sea-program\/","title":{"rendered":"The EfxINNOs project presented to the Monitoring Committee of the Interreg Next Black Sea Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Thessaloniki, 10 April 2025\u2013 The tangible benefits that the Black Sea and North Aegean Sea will draw from the \u00a0innovative marine monitoring \u00a0network being set up by the EfxINNOs project were presented by its Coordinator, Professor Georgios Sylaios of Democritus University of Thrace, at the Monitoring Committee of the Interreg Next Black Sea Program. EfxINNOs was invited to the meeting as it was recognised as an ambitious project that aims to revolutionize the protection and restoration of benthic habitats through advanced monitoring technologies and collaborative policy-driven solutions.\u00a0<\/p>

Seagrass meadows, often referred to as the “lungs” of the coastal ocean, are among the most vital yet vulnerable marine ecosystems. These underwater meadows support marine biodiversity, mitigate coastal erosion, sequester carbon, and provide critical ecosystem services. However, human activities and environmental pressures have led to alarming rates of decline, with 30% of global seagrass lost since the late 19th century.\u00a0<\/p>

EfxINNOs addresses these challenges by creating a cost-effective and technologically advanced monitoring network that bridges data gaps between the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions. Utilizing cutting-edge microAUVs and innovative mapping platforms, the project will generate high-resolution digital maps of seabed habitats, assess ecological health, and prioritize the designation of marine protected areas. Emphasis will be placed on species such as \u201cPosidonia oceanica\u201d and \u201cZostera marina\u201d, critical for ecosystem balance.\u00a0<\/p>

The program supports EU environmental policies such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the Biodiversity Strategy, while advancing the objectives of the Black Sea Integrated Monitoring Assessment Program (BSIMAP). By harmonizing data collection and promoting cross-border collaboration, EfxINNOs ensures a unified approach to combating human-induced threats like pollution, trawling, and habitat destruction.\u00a0<\/p>

Professor Sylaios emphasized, “EfxINNOs represents a leap forward in our ability to monitor, protect, and sustainably manage benthic ecosystems. Through science-based policy tools and community awareness, we aim to safeguard these critical habitats for future generations.”\u00a0<\/p>

The EfxINNOs partnership includes leading entities of the Blue Growth sectors from Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Georgia, fostering a unified effort across the Black Sea region. Results will be communicated to policymakers and stakeholders, underscoring the project’s commitment to protecting marine biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem resilience.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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