Ocean Health under Blue Transitions

Informations

Funding country

Norway

Acronym

-

URL

-

Start date

1/1/2018

End date

12/31/2022

Budget

1,001,712 EUR

Fundings

Abstract

The growth in marine industries is changing local communities and coastal ecosystems. To guide ecosystem-based management, there is a need for developing indicators of ocean health and analyze how the industrial development is affecting sustainability goals. In BlueTrans, we have developed indicators for nine sustainability goals for the coastal municipalities in northern Norway. The indicators are based on the Ocean Health Index framework, and are tailored to Norwegian conditions. The indicators are composed of data from open data sources and official statistics. One of the goals of BlueTrans has been to implement inclusive and transparent process in the development of the sustainability indicators. In addition to involvement of local stakeholders, we have developed a web platform that communicates relevant statistics, indicators and knowledge about sustainability. The portal has been named the Coastal Barometer, and presents the indicators through statistics and maps, and not least knowledge about sustainability through popular science articles. The articles focus on threats to sustainability, various sustainability dilemmas, the relationship between sustainability on a local and global scale, and the various dimensions of sustainability. The Coastal Barometer is structured as a tool to promote fact- and knowledge-based discussion about sustainability. The purpose is to create engagement and contribute to open research based on knowledge of the various sustainability goals. BlueTrans has emphasized local engagement and has examined conflicts between different stakeholders and trade-offs between different sustainability goals. We have developed and conducted a broad internet-based survey aimed at the coastal population in northern Norway. The survey identifies places and areas that are of particular value to local people and how they perceive threats and conflicts related to local sustainability. The dataset is a rich source of knowledge about the local appreciation of nature values and sustainability along the coast of northern Norway. In addition, a broad survey has been conducted among fishers and municipal area planners in northern Norway. In this study, we have examined challenges related to area conflicts between coastal fishers and the development of new industries such as aquaculture, tourism and mineral activities. Specifically, we have examined whether decisions related to new industries follow good governance practice, whether coastal fishers’ knowledge, culture and rights are included in the decision-making process, and the extent to which renewable resources are taken into account in the development of new industries.