Monday, July 8, 2024
On 1st October 2024, Dublin will host the kick-off event for the EcoTwin Project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance the accessibility of ocean data and knowledge for a wide array of stakeholders, from citizens to policymakers. By incorporating cutting-edge socio-ecological (SE) models into the existing European Digital Twin Ocean (EDITO) and other local Digital Twins of Oceans (DTOs), EcoTwin seeks to bridge the gap between ocean science and society.
The Vision Behind EcoTwin
EcoTwin’s primary mission is to revolutionise how ocean data is used in decision-making, scenario analysis, and coastal management. The project will focus on integrating social and ecological data in ways that have not been done before. Current challenges lie in the complexity and incompatibility of these datasets, making them hard to combine effectively. EcoTwin will use graph theory to link social and ecological data, helping to form a complete picture of these dynamic systems.
By developing SE models that integrate human and environmental factors, the project seeks to provide decision-makers with reliable tools for sustainable ocean management, addressing both ocean health and coastal resilience.
Key Regions for Case Studies
The project will focus on four coastal regions across Europe, which will serve as testing grounds for the new socio-ecological models:
• The Southern North Sea
• The Celtic Sea
• The Thracian Sea
• The Waterford Estuary
These regions have been carefully chosen for their diverse marine ecosystems and socio-economic contexts, making them ideal case studies for developing and refining the models. Each will highlight different aspects of marine management and the unique challenges faced by coastal communities.
Four Classes of Socio-Ecological Models
EcoTwin will develop four different classes of SE models, each designed to address specific challenges in the integration of social and ecological data:
1. Quantitative and Qualitative Causal Models – These models will help in understanding the cause-and-effect relationships between social and ecological variables.
2. Network Models with Participatory Feedback – Engaging stakeholders is critical to ensure that the models are relevant and practical for real-world applications. Network models will include participatory input, ensuring that local knowledge and expertise are incorporated.
3. Generative AI Models – AI will play a crucial role in predicting future scenarios and exploring the outcomes of different policy choices. The generative models will create simulations based on current and historical data, enhancing future decision-making.
4. Interoperable Data Models – These models will be designed to seamlessly integrate with existing platforms like Copernicus, EMODnet, and EUROSTAT, ensuring the models are sustainable, reliable, and widely applicable.
Leveraging Data from Multiple Sources
EcoTwin is committed to making ocean data accessible by utilising information from a variety of trusted sources, including Copernicus (Europe’s Earth observation programme), EMODnet (European Marine Observation and Data Network), and EUROSTAT (EU’s statistical office). The project will also work with the European Open Science Cloud, ensuring that best practices in data management are followed and that the models are scalable and future-proof.
Focus on Stakeholder Involvement
One of EcoTwin’s defining features is its focus on stakeholder engagement. The project will work closely with citizens, scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to ensure that the tools and models developed are co-designed and fit-for-purpose. By involving stakeholders in the development process, the project ensures that the models address real-world needs and provide practical solutions for ocean and coastal management.
This engagement is not just token participation but a key part of policy scenario assessment. Stakeholders will help test the models, ensuring that they are useful for making decisions that can have lasting impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Pioneering AI in Marine Ecosystem Management
Another exciting aspect of EcoTwin is its focus on the development of AI tools specifically tailored to marine ecosystems. These tools will provide valuable insights and help streamline the decision-making process by making ocean data more accessible to non-experts. By using AI, EcoTwin hopes to democratise access to complex data, enabling better-informed decisions at all levels, from local community leaders to international policymakers.
Driving Innovation in Ocean Management
The EcoTwin Project represents a significant step forward in how we understand and manage our oceans. By integrating socio-ecological data into digital twins, EcoTwin will contribute to better management of human activities, implementation of policies, and meeting of societal needs in marine environments.
This work will not only help protect vulnerable marine ecosystems but also ensure that coastal communities can thrive in harmony with their surroundings. With the launch event in Dublin fast approaching, stakeholders from across Europe will come together to discuss the project’s goals and initial steps.
As the EcoTwin Project prepares for its official launch in October 2024, it promises to deliver innovative tools and insights that will transform the way we approach ocean management. By making ocean data more accessible, EcoTwin will empower decision-makers to make better choices for the future of our oceans and coastal regions. The project is not just about technology and data; it’s about bringing people together to co-create solutions for some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Stay tuned as EcoTwin embarks on this journey, with the potential to shape a more sustainable and resilient future for our oceans.