HARMONY addresses the problem of the progressive loss of marine biodiversity, the deterioration of the health status of Mediterranean marine ecosystems and the arrival of non-indigenous species due to anthropogenic impacts (e.g. increase in nautical traffic), impoverishment of natural resources, trawling activities and the climate change

On a 100 SqKm marine area the project applies control measures for the protection of biodiversity make use of early warning indicators and sensors identified in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Expected Results:
A Joint action plan for biodiversity protection regarding 100 sq. Kms of protected sites

The project harmonises the measures of monitoring the state of integrity of the seabed and the species that populate it and controls the effects caused by the fragmentation of habitats in the spread of non-indigenous species (NIS) in the central Mediterranean

Project activities will realize:

1 Inventory of cross-border biodiversity in Natura 2000 sites and Habitats

1 Technical guideline to improve and harmonize the seabed integrity management processes 141 protected sites where to apply common policy management tools useful for improving monitoring and control systems of the integrity of the seabed and of not indigenous species (NIS)

1 awareness campaign for the correct use of protected areas

Project Lead Partner:

Università degli Studi di Palermo - Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare

Project Partners:

Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino

Regione Siciliana Dipartimento della Pesca Mediterranea

University of Malta Faculty of Science/ Department of Geosciences

Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change

Environment and Resources Authority Environment Directorate/ Biodiversity Unit

Email

rettore@unipa.it

Website

https://www.harmony-italiamalta.eu/index_it.html