International ECOMARIS Workshop Kicks Off in Fuerteventura
From 24 to 26 June, Fuerteventura is hosting the second edition of the ECOMARIS event, an international scientific initiative led by the ECOAQUA Research Institute of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Participants include representatives from the Canary Islands, Madeira, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe. This gathering aims to share knowledge and experiences crucial for the observation, management, and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems.
The event opened with remarks from prominent figures such as Marlene Figueroa, Councillor for Ecological Transition and Environmental Sustainability of the Fuerteventura Cabildo, and Yaiza Fernández-Palacios, the project’s coordinator. Figueroa emphasised the significance of hosting attendees from four countries and five archipelagos within Macaronesia, stating that projects like ECOMARIS enhance the Biosphere Reserve’s role as a hub for research and cooperation.
Fernández-Palacios highlighted that the workshop allows partners to assess the project’s progress, plan future actions, and engage in specialised workshops that promote knowledge exchange. One major goal of ECOMARIS is to transfer developed methodologies and technologies to governments, businesses, and communities for practical use in marine management and conservation.
The event features three specialised workshops focused on improving technical skills related to coastal and marine management. Topics include drone usage, geographic information system applications, and data analysis for ecosystem monitoring. These sessions aim to combine theoretical and practical learning, fostering collaboration among specialists from various regions.
Moreover, ECOMARIS serves as a platform for sharing best practices from across the Macaronesia, enhancing cooperation among organisations dedicated to sustainability, research, and marine conservation. This second gathering consolidates Fuerteventura’s position as a key reference point for discussions and training in environmental protection and sustainable practices.
