BridgET aims at addressing a growing demand for highly skilled professionals in the coastal and marine geosciences sector, who can be innovative in visualization, analysis, model creation, interpretation and communication of geological and environmental data in 3D. Digital geologic mapping… Read more is a mature technology, although dramatically improved recently with the advent of new state-of-the-art techniques such as Structure from Motion (SfM) photogrammetry and progress in computer vision and image analysis. Environmental reality-based 3D models can now be generated particularly through the aid of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). But the key advance has been the ability to easily construct high-resolution, photorealistic terrain models (as a base surface for 3D mapping) in the underwater environment. The submarine domain has always been less accessible and more economically challenging to investigate than the terrestrial one. But these technologies are now transforming field studies, enabling the resolution of problems that were extremely complex without technological progress, especially in industry (e.g. oil and gas, renewable energy, etc.), marine spatial planning and sustainable coastal and offshore environmental management practices. New methods and techniques have allowed a seamless combination of terrestrial and marine data, that is supporting the development of a more solid holistic approach to understand our changing environments and design appropriate management measures accordingly. The ability to easily examine multiple view angles of seamless seabed’s and coastal 3D surfaces, outside the logistical constraints, becomes even more efficient when 3D models can be experienced in Virtual Reality (VR). In this case, a true cognitive breakthrough is provided giving the potential to launch a new generation of studies as well as to promote inclusive teaching and learning that value the diversity of all learners and so actions for a sustainable future. Efforts are needed, however, to provide best practices for appropriate workflows when using VR in the field of coastal and marine geosciences in its many applications, and to outline how this technology can help inclusive 3D learning. The interdisciplinary European partnership of our project is made up by marine geoscientists and professionals with tracked expertise in geohazard assessment and climate-driven impacts in tectonically and/or climatically sensitive areas. The team will focus on learning and teaching how to build reality-based 3D model of selected submarine and coastal regions, to improve their exploration through the medium of VR, with a goal of developing an ad-hoc curriculum at postgraduate level to help students acquire and build their own advanced skills in these areas. BridgET aims at deeply renew the way in which applied marine geosciences can be taught, strengthening digital readiness, resilience and capacity in students. The most challenging impact we would like to achieve will be the promotion of a change toward a greater inclusion in the labor market commonly involved in delivering new tools, approaches, platforms and sensors for seafloor mapping, marine spatial planning and marine renewable energy, with the view of pursuing a more robust approach to diversity and inclusion in the field of marine geosciences, where there's a documented lack of diversity. The project is based on the delivery of innovative and inclusive learning and teaching activities through the organization of dedicated summer schools for MSc students. Schools will focus on giving students a hands-on experience of the variety of methods and approaches adopted in geospatial data acquisition and processing for the seamless generation of 3D models (i.e. Digital Terrain Models – DTM) of coastal regions. Three case studies will be selected to approach a coastal geohazard assessment based on an immersive observation of geomorphological data/geological phenomena and human interaction with physical processes from multiple perspectives. Practical activities will be in particular carried out in Santorini, on the shores and slopes of mount Etna and in Maldives. In Maldives we will take advantage of a research facility of the University of Milano-Bicocca (MaRHE - Marine and High Educational Research - Center), established in 2009 with the purpose of carrying our research and high education activities. All areas have been and are currently studied by project participants that already have collected consistent amount of data in these regions, that are particularly sensitive to a number of different geohazards and pose different challenges to the local population and socio-economic framework. We will prepare a defined multiscale and multisource geospatial datasets for each coastal regions that will be further supplemented with dedicated surveys during summer schools. Their geospatial integration will allow the creation of a VR learning environment (implementing the dataset with proper tools and dedicated software) that will allow all students and teachers to navigate in real-time and study and analyze processes and environments that otherwise would be impossible to observe. Students will test the application of their knowledge to provide coastal geohazard assessment and proposal for management measures, for each of the proposed case study (one for each summer school). All the involved universities will promote the inclusion of new approach for teaching and training activity, in the field of marine geosciences, in their educational program at MSc level. We planned three transnational project meetings to define and plan precisely, from the beginning and through the progress of the project, all project activities, especially the summer schools, the expected project results and the organization of two multiplier events.

The overarching objective of LIFE CAPTURE is to develop sustainable management methods for dealing with of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil and groundwater. This targets concrete issues and challenges that are currently encountered when dealing with PFAS-contamination. These… Read more relate to characterisation, assessment and mitigation of the contamination. We propose to develop a robust protocol for the analysis of PFAS, which is currently lacking. The intention is to enlarge the spectrum of the PFAS family that can be analysed. LIFE CAPTURE proposes a robust protocol that follows a staggered approach to: quantify whether any kind of PFAS is present; quantify the concentrations of a set group of well researched PFAS; determine if there are significant concentrations of other PFAS present; quantify and qualify those other PFAS. During site investigation it is currently considered best practice to only look at concentrations. The use of flux-measurements would be a valuable addition, allowing more direct measurement of exposure and risks. It can also be used to drastically enhance the efficiency of mitigation measures such as remediation. Within this project, passive flux samplers that can be integrated in the new analytical protocol will be demonstrated. Due to PFAS’s chemical properties most existing remediation technologies don’t provide adequate sustainable treatment solutions. We proposes a toolkit of promising innovative remediation technologies for PFAS. Technology trains will be identified and tested to optimize the remediation approaches in order to eliminate the contaminants from the environment. The assessment whether a certain PFAS-contamination is harmful is typically governed by a regulatory framework. We propose to develop a pragmatic risk and effect assessment approach. This will be based on existing standardised ecotoxicity tests. Special attention will be given to risk assessment for mixtures of different known or unknown PFAS.

Agricultural Practices are responsible for 17-20% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but are also the main driver for biodiversity and habitat degradation and loss. However, farmers remain the real countryside managers with paramount importance in the effort to meet… Read more the targets for EU Biodiversity Strategy (BDS) 2030 and the EU climate targets for 2050. A farmer has to wade through a large number of policy instruments (conceived in Brussels but interpreted locally), accompanied by often incomprehensive scientific terms not adequately explained to them (e.g. Natura 2000, Carbon Farming), all of which might change from one financing period to the next. TAKE OFF project aims to promote Environmentally Friendly Farming (EFF), in line with major EU policies and initiatives, e.g., EU climate targets, Biodiversity Strategy. In addition to these key policies for sustainable development, TAKE OFF is tailored to the ERASMUS+ Horizontal Priorities for the environment and fight against climate change and stimulating innovative learning and teaching practices. Accordingly, the concrete objectives of the project are: Activity 1) Produce an e-learning course for Environmental Friendly Farming (EFF) Activity 2) Built an online tool for promoting EFF practices. Activity 3) Produce a replicability e-package for education & training activities related to EFF Moreover, to increase the uptake and sustainability of the deliverables, TAKE OFF will interact with the target groups by implementing 2 multiplier events, which aim at piloting the outputs and collect feedback from key stakeholders: Activity 4) Multiplier event 1 (Cyprus) Activity 5) Multiplier event 2 (Italy) The TAKE OFF activities will allow VET providers to build education and training activities related to EFF. The e-learning course (Activity 1) will be developed according to the farmers’ age and IT literacy and contain four modules (Biodiversity Strategy; Climate Change Mitigation/Adaptation; EcoSchemes/Farm to Fork; Financial opportunities and EFF). The material will seek to present in layman terms the key policies for the environment and climate change. In addition, an interactive online tool (Activity 2) will aim to support/train farmers in making informed decisions among plausible practices/approaches for EFF. Finally, a replicability e-package (Activity 3) will concentrate, in the form of a database, additional resources and material required for EFF, proposing appropriate curricula for various cases of VET (e.g., 1-hour introduction to EFF for young farmers; 1-day workshop for policymakers). The further uptake of TAKE OFF outputs will be promoted through two Multiplier events (Activities 4,5) conducted in Cyprus and Italy, respectively. The project will be coordinated by the Open University of Cyprus (OUC) and will have the contribution of the University of Milan Bicocca. Additionally, the project will support the involvement of a “newcomer”, the SME “Sustainability Metrics” (Cyprus).

DEEPICE aims to train a new generation of European researcher (15 ESRs) working on scientific issues related to climate change in Antarctica by taking advantage of the unique scientific dynamic of the new European ice drilling "Beyond EPICA" which started in 2019… Read more to extract a 1.5 million years old Antarctic ice core. The consortium gathers complementary expertise in instrumentation (for field conditions in extreme conditions or in the laboratory for the precise analysis of small ice samples), statistic tools as well as glaciological and climatic modeling from 10 different countries. The ESRs will carry out their individual research projects with a focus on an analytical or modeling subject in a strong interdisciplinary and intersectoral environment keeping in mind the importance of a combined data-model approach and with an active participation in science mediation in the field of climate change. The DEEPICE project will set up an innovative training program allowing the trained ESRs to acquire essential core and additional skills in instrumentation, ice core analysis, statistics and modeling, as well as a wide range of soft skills fostering their career perspectives. Especially, a thematic school will allow students to get in touch with different scientific mediators, publishers, journalists and political advisers. The research and training program gives an important place to scientific mediation and communication of obtained results to the general public and more specific stakeholders. After having completed the training, DEEPICE’s ESRs will be fully equipped for engaging in academic and non-academic careers related to glaciology, climate change, geophysics and instrumentation in geoscience.

Water is arguably the single most important volatile phase in the Earth’s continental crust. Fluids transfer and concentrate elements, enhance chemical reactions and facilitate deformation. In addition, through impact on porosity and permeability, fluids facilitate mass movement of fluids and dissolved substances.… Read more The transported elements may eventually concentrate in economically important reserves. Finding and responsibly exploiting such reserves depends on understanding how, when and where fluids flow from the scale of micrometres to kilometres. Dwindling or geopolitically restricted supply and increasing demand for resources accentuate the urgency for fluid transport models based on more comprehensive data and groundtruthing. The overall scientific aim of FluidNET is to contribute to the underpinning data, development and testing of new nano- to crustal-scale models of crustal fluid flux by constraining the time and length scales, mechanisms and provenance of crustal fluid fluxes at different crustal levels. To truly advance research on fluid fluxes, and thus impact society and in particular industry, a new generation of skilled personnel is required, who can work with such complex systems, and make interpretations and predictions based on large and incomplete datasets. FluidNET will provide a stimulating cross-disciplinary environment for the training of a cohort of early stage researchers, ESRs, in skills that are essential across the resources sector. Our training programme will challenge the ESRs with societally relevant questions, and will encourage them to ‘think outside the box’. They will learn to apply field observations, innovative analytical techniques and creative modelling approaches; to communicate effectively with a broad range of audiences; and to engage effectively with end-users of their research. Such skills will meet future employment demand and will enhance Europe’s capacity to provide innovative solutions to critical resource requirements.

The Mediterranean Sea is undergoing severe changes driven by increasing anthropogenic pressures. Besides being among the most important charismatic species in the Mediterranean Sea, cetaceans and pelagic sea turtles (CEPTU hereafter) are crucial bioindicators of marine health conditions, since their wellbeing… Read more reflects integrity of both low and high ranks of the food pyramid. The conservation status of CEPTU species is still considered data deficient for most taxa and range/population/habitat info are “extrapolated from a limited amount of data” according to the last (2013-2018) Italian report Art 17 Habitats Directive Report. The data deficiency is mainly due to the fact that CEPTU species spent the majority of their life in remote offshore areas most difficult to monitor because of their extent, highly dynamic nature and the high costs involved in carrying out regular large scale surveys that overcome socio-political borders. With their transboundary movements, they are exposed to multiple anthropogenic stressors, such as maritime traffic and marine litter. Maritime traffic is responsible for underwater noise, regular and casualty-related pollution, transfer of alien species, and disturbance towards marine fauna. Disturbance by boats can determine short and long term changes in the behaviour and distribution of cetacean species and is directly related to the risk of collisions, especially during nighttime. Maritime traffic changes in density and composition during the year, as well as the vulnerable species change in distribution and abundance within the year, so that the potential impact varies among time and space. Marine litter is one of the main threats to CEPTU species, due to risk of entanglement, ingestion or toxicological effects. In the Mediterranean Sea there are no permanent structures able to retain floating items in the long-term so that the risk due to marine litter is scattered over broad areas, with high seasonal variability both in the amount and composition of items. Given the highly mobile nature of CEPTU species, the interactions between the vulnerable species and the pressure is possible almost anywhere in the species range, but with different intensity depending on areas and seasons. Therefore the effective management of CEPTU species requires a precise knowledge of their spatio-temporal distribution and the anthropogenic stressors to which they are exposed in offshore areas. Protected Areas (hereafter PA, i.e. Natura2000 sites, Marine Protected Areas) are cornerstones of marine biodiversity conservation, being among the most effective spatial management tools for the preservation of vulnerable species. However, PA are not isolated entities and, especially when the main vocation is the conservation of large migratory species (e.g. the Spanish Mediterranean Cetacean Migration Corridor or the Pelagos Sanctuary), it is essential to consider the adjacent marine sectors, which could represent areas of importance for particular species ecological needs. Anyhow, most of these species spend the majority of their lifespan in large marine sea regions which are not specifically protected. To this aim, the legislation requires to activate “a strict protection regime across the species' entire natural range, both within and outside Natura 2000 sites” (Habitat Directive) identifying the important areas (e.g. buffer zones, stepping stones, feeding grounds and ecological corridors) to prioritize mitigation actions. Article 11 of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) requires Member States to implement surveillance of the conservation status of species of Community Interest, tailoring the National Reports obligations on the measures implemented and their effectiveness (Art. 17 Habitats Directive), to be submitted to the European Commission every six years. Different methodologies for surveying species of Annex II, IV have been proposed by Member State, but still an effective systematic methodology for monitoring in the long term CEPTUs over the vast pelagic domain they occupy throughout their life cycle is lacking, because considered too expensive, resource intensive and support demanding. Main problems addressed: Lack of systematic information on spatio-temporal CEPTU ecological needs for mapping the important areas (e.g. buffer zones, stepping stones and ecological corridors) especially in offshore areas and in gap areas such as the southern Tyrrhenian, Sardinia-Sicily channels. Lack of systematic information on main threats (i.e. maritime traffic, marine litter) for mapping high risk areas/seasons where preservation measures are a priority. Lack of standard effective approach for the long term surveillance of species conservation status in their range. Lack of international cooperation and agreed procedures to support the identification of important areas and for the long term surveillance of species conservation status.