Plan for Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication Activities (PDEC)

Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Programme, Grant Agreement No. 101082021 (MARCO-BOLO). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. UK participants in MARCO-BOLO are supported by the UKRI’s Horizon Europe Guarantee under the Grant No. XXXXXXXX (MS); No. 10063994 (MBA); No. 10048178 (NOC). Deliverable 7.4 Plan for Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication Activities (PDEC) V1.0 M6 - May 2023 Avril Hanbidge ERINN Innovation (ERINN) PUBLIC Ref. Ares(2023)3761616 - 31/05/2023 2 Document Information Grant Agreement 101082021 Project Acronym MARCO-BOLO Project Title MARCO-BOLO will strengthen European marine, coastal and freshwater biodiversity observation to understand and restore ocean health. Deliverable Number D7.4 Work Package Number WP7 Deliverable Title Plan for Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication Activities (PDEC) Lead Beneficiary ERINN Innovation (21 - ERINN) Author(s) Avril Hanbidge (ERINN) Due Date 31.05.2023 (M6) Submission Date 26.05.2023 (M6) Dissemination Level PU1 Type of Deliverable R2 Version 1.0 M6 - May 2023 Avril Hanbidge (ERINN) Validated by the MARCO-BOLO consortium 1 Dissemination level: PU: Public 2 Type of deliverable: R: Document, Report 3 Executive Summary The MARCO-BOLO Plan for the Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication Activities (PDEC) outlines the EC’s rights and the consortium’s contractual obligations to the EC for the dissemination, exploitation and communication (DEC) of the project results. It adopts EC best practice guidelines and defines the objectives of MARCO-BOLO’s DEC. It also identifies target stakeholders, specifies the communication tools and channels, and outlines responsibilities and resources to carry out effective knowledge management, and to measure the impact. All project participants have an obligation to participate in the DEC of MARCO-BOLO results and outputs to create impact, especially in their own countries and in their own communities. Within the PDEC, the DEC activities to be performed are described, along with protocols and processes to be followed. MARCO-BOLO has tasks within work package 7 (WP7) dedicated to these activities (T7.2 and T7.3 led by ERINN Innovation) specifically designed to support project communication activities to a wide audience and targeted dissemination and exploitation of results to specific stakeholders. To support participants in DEC of results, a portfolio of resources is being developed under WP7. This portfolio will be updated regularly, and additional resources made available as required. MARCO-BOLO will make use of the latest tools and communication channels to ensure cost effectiveness and maximum impact. The PDEC has been developed by ERINN Innovation (ERINN), who will also oversee its continuous implementation. This is the first version of the PDEC and as it is a dynamic document, it will be evaluated throughout the project and updated at EC reporting stages. 4 Contents Document Information ........................................................................................................................... 2 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 3 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Rationale ....................................................................................................................................... 5 1.2 Objectives...................................................................................................................................... 5 2. Key Principles Guiding the PDEC ..................................................................................................... 6 2.1 Definitions and Terminology ................................................................................................... 6 2.2 Rights, Rules and Obligations related to Results .................................................................... 6 2.3 General Data Protection Regulation Implications ................................................................ 10 3. Preand Post-Dissemination Requirements ................................................................................. 11 3.1 Pre-Dissemination Requirements ......................................................................................... 11 3.2 Post-Dissemination Requirements........................................................................................ 14 4. Stakeholder Engagement .............................................................................................................. 15 4.1 Internal Stakeholders - Project Bodies .................................................................................. 16 4.2 Stakeholder Engagement Strategy ....................................................................................... 17 4.3 MARCO-BOLO-Specific Stakeholder Events .......................................................................... 20 5. Knowledge Management, Transfer and Exploitation of Results .................................................. 21 5.1 Knowledge Management and Knowledge Transfer (KMKT) Overview ................................. 21 5.2 Knowledge Management and Knowledge Transfer (KMKT) ................................................. 23 6. Dissemination and Communication Resources ............................................................................ 28 6.1 Promotional Materials .......................................................................................................... 28 7. Dissemination and Communication Activities .............................................................................. 33 7.1 PDEC Tools, Channels and Target Groups ............................................................................. 33 7.2 External Events ...................................................................................................................... 35 7.3 Scientific Publications – Relevant Journals ........................................................................... 37 8. PDEC Monitoring and Evaluation .................................................................................................. 37 9. Project participants involved in the work ..................................................................................... 37 Appendix ............................................................................................................................................... 38 Annex 1 – Acronyms ......................................................................................................................... 38 Annex 2 – Glossary ............................................................................................................................ 39 Annex 3 – IP Assessment Form ......................................................................................................... 41 Annex 4 – MARCO-BOLO Continuous Reporting Log ........................................................................ 43 5 1. Introduction Through active engagement with key stakeholders, MARCO-BOLO aims to deliver a transformative change in how marine, coastal and freshwater biodiversity is monitored and managed. Researchers will tailor research and observation data for direct use, delivering practical tools that will allow politicians and companies to determine biodiversity health, predict changes, monitor changes from imposed policies and proactively manage environments and their biodiversity. MARCO-BOLO will do so by 1) Improving the acquisition, coordination and delivery of marine, coastal and freshwater biodiversity observations to relevant users.; 2) Enabling technologies for cost-effective, timely and accurate biodiversity observations; 3) Testing new tools, technologies and models to better understand biodiversity decline and 4) Empowering European biodiversity observatory operators, data producers and users by creating and sharing best practice guidelines for gathering and using biodiversity data to contribute to biodiversity restoration efforts. To guarantee the adoption of MARCO-BOLO solutions, support uptake and to maximise the impact and legacy of MARCO-BOLO, the project has put in place effective communication, dissemination, engagement and knowledge transfer (KT) strategies within two work packages (WP6 and WP7) in which all project participants are involved. 1.1 Rationale The MARCO-BOLO PDEC outlines the DEC strategies to be implemented by the consortium throughout the project lifetime and beyond. Adopting the EC’s best practice guidelines and aligning with rights and obligations outlined in the MARCO-BOLO Grant Agreement (GA) related to dissemination and exploitation, the PDEC describes internal processes and protocols set up to support communication, manage generated knowledge and to ensure exploitation of the MARCO-BOLO results. It identifies key project stakeholders, communication tools and channels and describes the means (tools, messages) of dissemination and measures to support exploitation. 1.2 Objectives The PDEC aims to: • Promote the project activities and results beyond the consortium by employing a range of DEC tools; • Provide a useful guide to all members of the MARCO-BOLO consortium about rules and responsibilities surrounding DEC; • Identify and profile the target stakeholders for the different project results; • Define the most effective DEC channels, tools, and means, tailored to the relevant stakeholders; • Outline the knowledge management and knowledge transfer (KMKT) principles and protocols to ensure effective transfer of Key Exploitable Results (KERs); • Ensure timely and efficient KMKT while safeguarding intellectual property (IP); • Maximise post-project uptake by developing thorough and forward-thinking plans that clearly outline the potential users and applications of the project’s KERs and KT activities required to ensure objective and measurable short and long-term project impacts. The MARCO-BOLO PDEC describes the DEC activities to be performed to ensure the exploitation of the project’s outputs, its maximum impact, and the availability of the gained knowledge for all interested 6 organisations. It is a dynamic document and will be evaluated and updated at EC reporting stages, allowing for adjustments as needed. 2. Key Principles Guiding the PDEC 2.1 Definitions and Terminology The foundation of the MARCO-BOLO PDEC is the knowledge management process which has been implemented from the start of the project and which informs communication, dissemination, and exploitation (KT), in line with the European Commission (EC) definitions 3 as follows: • Communication is a strategically planned process that starts at the outset of the project and continues throughout its entire lifetime. It is aimed at promoting MARCO-BOLO and its results. It requires strategic and targeted measures for communicating about MARCO-BOLO and the project’s results to a multitude of audiences, including the media and the public, and possibly engaging in a two-way exchange. Activities used for communication purposes are, for example, a public website, press releases or social media. • Dissemination is the public disclosure of the project results by any appropriate means (other than resulting from protecting or exploiting the results), including scientific publication in any medium. It makes research results known to various stakeholder groups in a targeted way, enabling them to use the results in their own work. Activities used for dissemination purposes are, for example, conferences, education and training events, clustering activities and collaboration with other EU-funded projects. • KT and exploitation of results is more advanced than communication and dissemination, it involves the utilisation of results in further research activities other than those covered by the project, or in developing, creating and marketing a product or process, or in creating and providing a service, or in standardisation activities, or feeding back into policymaking activities. It requires several steps including identifying exploitation mechanisms and activities, focused on identified end users to ensure impact and uptake of the results, which will provide measurable impacts for MARCO-BOLO, while ensuring any project-generated IP is properly managed. 2.2 Rights, Rules and Obligations related to Results This section outlines a summary of some key aspects of the rights and obligations relating to the protection of these results; however, it is not an exhaustive summary. For further details on the project and Horizon Europe rules surrounding ownership and protection of results please refer to the Grant Agreement (GA), Consortium Agreement (CA) and on specific rules for data outputs, please see D7.2 Data Management Plan (DMP; due in M6). 2.2.1 Ownership of Results Results are owned by the participant that generates them. Two or more project participants’ own results jointly if they have jointly generated them and it is not possible to establish the respective contribution of each participant, or separate them, for the purpose of applying for, obtaining, or 3 http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/desktop/en/support/reference_terms.html; https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/temp-form/report/periodicreport_horizon-euratom_en.pdf 7 maintaining their protection (GA Article 16.2 – Annex 5). The joint owners must agree (in writing) on the allocation and terms of exercise of their joint ownership (joint ownership agreement), to ensure compliance with their obligations under the GA. If valuable results are not protected, the Commission may under certain circumstances assume ownership of the results (see GA Article 16 – Annex 5 for further details). 2.2.2 Protection of Results Each participant has an obligation to protect its results. Project participants which have received funding under the grant must adequately protect their results — for an appropriate period and with appropriate territorial coverage — if protection is possible and justified, taking into account all relevant considerations, including the prospects for commercial exploitation, the legitimate interests of the other project participants and any other legitimate interests. 2.2.3 Exploitation of Results Each participant has an obligation to exploit its results. Project participants which have received funding under the grant must — up to four years after the end of the action — use their best efforts to exploit their results directly or to have them exploited indirectly by another entity, in particular through transfer or licensing. If, despite a participant’s best efforts, the results are not exploited within one year after the end of the action, the project participants must (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the granting authority) use the Horizon Results Platform to find interested parties to exploit the results (see GA Article 16 – Annex 5 for further details). Project participants must also continue to use their best efforts to exploit their results themselves throughout the subsequent four years. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) & Management MARCO-BOLO will follow the rules for IP set out and regulated by the EC. More information can be found in GA (Article 16.4) “Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) — Background and Results — Access Rights and Rights of Use”. The project participants will ensure that adequate steps towards protection are taken prior to DEC, preventing unapproved public disclosure of results, tools, products and services. An IP Assessment Form (Section 3.1.2) for screening DEC activities will be implemented and shared on the project’s intranet for project participants to complete to ensure protection of results. 2.2.4 Communication and Dissemination of Results Each participant must disseminate their results as soon as possible by disclosing them to the public. However, no dissemination may take place before a decision is made regarding possible protection (section 3.1). Other participants may object if their legitimate interests in relation to their foreground or background could potentially suffer harm. Project participants that intend to disseminate their results must give at least 15 calendar days prior notice (see section 3.1.1) to other project participants (unless agreed otherwise), together with sufficient information on the results they will disseminate (GA Article 17 – Annex 5). Any other participant may object within (unless agreed otherwise) 15 days of receiving notification if it can show that its legitimate interests in relation to the results or background 8 would be significantly harmed. In such cases, the results may not be disseminated unless appropriate steps are taken to safeguard those interests (GA Article 17 – Annex 5). Notwithstanding the above, certain dissemination activities that do not include results and which, by their nature, must be carried out in a timely manner (e.g., social media posts, promotional articles and reports) will be exempt from the obligation to give prior notice to all project participants so as not to impede the project’s dissemination strategy, provided that all MARCO-BOLO project participants engaged in such dissemination are in agreement prior to such dissemination, and provided that the duty of confidentiality is respected (GA Article 13). Open Science and Open Access to Scientific Publications Open Science (or Open Research) is a broad term describing the transparent and collaborative approach to the scientific process based on open cooperative work, tools and diffusion of knowledge. Open Access (OA) is specifically applied to research outputs (publications, articles, data, books, etc). This section outlines OA requirements for publications. For more information on open science in relation to research data and FAIR principles, please see D7.2 DMP. Providing OA to publications in Horizon Europe funded projects is an obligation for all grants. All project participants must ensure OA to peer reviewed scientific publications relating to its results (GA Article 17 – Annex 5), and must: • As soon as possible and at the latest on publication, deposit a machine-readable electronic copy of the published version or final peer-reviewed manuscript accepted for publication in a trusted repository for scientific publications. • And, at the same time, provide information (about the research output, tools or instruments) needed to validate the conclusion of the scientific publication via the repository; moreover, the participant must aim to deposit at the same time the research data needed to validate the results presented in the deposited scientific publications. • Ensure OA, via the repository, to the bibliographic metadata that identifies the deposited publication, including at least the following: publication (author(s), identifying those involved in the action, title, date of publication, publication venue); the terms “European Union (EU)” and “Horizon Europe”; the name of the project (“…."), acronym (“….") and grant number (“…."); licensing terms; persistent identifiers. Metadata of deposited publications must be open (CC0 “No Rights Reserved” or equivalent) and in line with the FAIR principles (see D7.2 DMP). There are three OA Categories 4 : • ‘Publisher Open’ often referred to as ‘gold’, ‘hybrid’ or ‘bronze’ OA where an article is published in an OA journal or is accessible in a subscription journal. The final edited version of the publication can be read directly from the publisher’s website, usually immediately on publication. • ‘Other Platform Open’ referred to as ‘green’ or ‘grey’ OA where the publication is shared online via a repository or website. A pre-print version of already existing or new articles can 4 https://open.coki.ac/open/ 9 be uploaded to a domain specific, institutional other repository, generally without any extra cost. • ‘Closed’ where the publication is not open and is closed to access. Within the Publisher Open category, and as part of the EC’s continuous reporting requirements of publications, project participants must indicate whether the publishing venue is ‘Hybrid’, ‘Full Open Access’ or ‘Full Subscription’. a) Hybrid means that the published article or final peer-reviewed manuscript is made accessible in a subscription journal with an open license. This involves making articles available in older journals that were historically subscription-based and have not transitioned to fully open access. This route almost always involves payment of an Article Processing Charge (APC) or some form of institutional payment through a “read and publish” agreement. b) Full Open Access means that the published article or the final peer-reviewed manuscript is published in an OA journal. To qualify as an OA journal there must be clear re-use rights and certain quality measures need to be validated by the Directory of Open Access Journals. c) Full Subscription means that the published article or final peer-reviewed manuscript is made accessible in a Subscription Publisher with no reuse rights. Publishers sometimes make articles available for limited periods or without guarantees. This makes more articles readable but doesn’t ensure long term accessibility. Under the Horizon Europe Programme, 'Publisher Open’ and ‘Other Platform Open’ are permitted (see above), however only publication fees in ‘Full Open Access’ or ‘Full Subscription’ venues are eligible for reimbursement (Article 17 – Annex 5). For more information on OA, please consult GA Article 17 - Annex 5 (Communication, Dissemination, Open Science and Visibility). 2.2.5 Visibility of funding Project participants are obligated to use the EU emblem when publishing and/or presenting work carried out under the MARCO-BOLO project (GA Article 17.2). Unless the Agency requests or agrees otherwise or unless it is impossible, any dissemination of results (in any form, including electronic) must display the EU emblem. This includes conferences, seminars, in information material (such as brochures, leaflets, posters, presentations, etc.), including electronic form via social media, etc. and any infrastructure, equipment or major result funded by the grant. When displayed in association with another logo, the EU emblem must have appropriate prominence. For the purposes of their obligations under this Article, the project participants may use the EU emblem without first obtaining approval from the Agency. This does not, however, give them the right to exclusive use. Moreover, they may not appropriate the EU emblem or any similar trademark or logo, either by registration or by any other means. Any communication or dissemination activity related to the project must include the following EU emblem and funding acknowledgement: 16 4.1 Internal Stakeholders - Project Bodies General Assembly The General Assembly is composed of one representative from each project participant and is chaired by the Coordinator, EMBRC. The General Assembly will be involved in the following decisions: 1) Content, finances and IPR; 2) Evolution of the consortium and 3) Appointments e.g., to the Project Implementation Committee (PIC). See CA Article 6.3.1 and D7.1 DMP for details. Project Implementation Committee (PIC) The PIC chaired by EMBRC is composed of the WP leaders and any other representatives of the project participants appointed to it by the General Assembly at the project kick-off meeting. The PIC is the decision-implementing body of MARCO-BOLO. It will oversee the operational management of all activities of the project and will also prepare and supervise the proper scientific and technical execution of the project, in particular integrating the recommendations from the Community of Practice (CoP). See CA Article 6.3.2 and D7.1 DMP for details. Table 2 MARCO-BOLO PIC Members Member Organisation Role in Project Pier Luigi Buttigieg AWI WP1 co-leader Dan Lear MBA WP1 co-leader Kim Præbel UiT WP2 co-leader Daniel Morais UiT WP2 co-leader Lucie Zinger CNRS WP2 co-leader Chris Bowler CNRS WP2 co-leader Peter Haase SGN WP3 co-leader Tina Sanders HEREON WP3 co-leader Julie Robidart NOC WP4 co-leader Sari Giering NOC WP4 co-leader Patrizio Mariani DTU WP4 co-leader Klaas Deneudt VLIZ WP5 co-leader Christos Arvanitidis Lifewatch-ERIC WP5 co-leader Cristina Huertas Olivares Lifewatch-ERIC WP5 co-leader Ward Appeltans UNESCO WP6 co-leader Kate Larkin SSBE WP6 co-leader Nicolas Pade EMBRC Coordinator & WP7 co-leader Isabel Sousa Pinto CIIMAR WP7 co-leader Claire Laguionie EMBRC Project Manager Avril Hanbidge ERINN Communications Officer Project Management Team (PMT) The PMT was proposed by the Coordinator and appointed by the PIC. It is composed of the Coordinator Nicolas Pade and project manager Claire Laguionie (EMBRC) and Communications Officer Avril Hanbidge (ERINN). The PMT assists and facilitates the work of the PIC as well as the day-to-day management of the project. 17 Community of Practice for Biodiversity Data Generators and Data Users (CoP) The CoP is appointed by the PIC and includes representatives of organisations who have a coordinating role in the development of the biodiversity observing system as members of the Core CoP. The Wider CoP will consist of representatives from the implementing organisations of the biodiversity observing system (see D6.1 due in M12 – November 2023). The CoP will be chaired by UNESCO until a chair is elected by the Core CoP. The CoP brings together and empowers European (and beyond) biodiversity observatory operators, data producers and users. The overall purpose is to foster transformative change and overcome traditional barriers that have limited the generation, transfer and uptake of marine biodiversity knowledge. Through the CoP, generators and users of biodiversity data across Europe will be brought together to co-design and co-develop biodiversity tools and services that are fit for purpose and suit the needs of users (policy makers, industry, researchers, civil society and other stakeholder groups) at local, national, regional and international levels. The CoP will be involved throughout the project duration to ensure that the work meets the requirements of the target stakeholder groups, and our project results follow the most efficient pathway to achieving the expected outcomes and impacts. The direct involvement of these stakeholders and end users in the assessment and transfer of MARCO-BOLO’s Key Exploitable Results (KERs) will ensure effective exploitation of project results that have been assessed by the target stakeholder groups as having a good potential for achieving expected outcomes and long-term impact. International Advisory Board (IAB) The IAB will be appointed and steered by the PIC. The IAB will assist and facilitate the decisions made by the General Assembly. It will provide external points of view as to how to conduct the project to maximise beneficial outcomes to society and to advise the consortium on how best to exploit the most promising results. In particular, the IAB will: • Advise the consortium on industrial, political and societal changes or concerns that may influence the projects objectives, priorities, methodologies, and expected impacts; • Propose changes to the direction of the project in line with stakeholder/user priorities for maximising the exploitation and benefits of the project for the biodiversity sector; • Support and amplify the dissemination of the project results; • Advise the consortium where and how the most promising results, in terms of exploitation, should be transferred. 4.2 Stakeholder Engagement Strategy To engage with its stakeholders, MARCO-BOLO will implement a structured knowledge management and knowledge transfer (KMKT) methodology. By focusing on Individual Outputs and associated Impact Plans, appropriate target and end users will be identified, along with potential application and exploitation routes. The consortium has extensive experience in multinational, multi-lingual, multi-disciplinary and multiparticipant collaborative research and innovation activities, and in effective communication of progress and results. By applying the Stakeholder Engagement Strategy, we have identified these various groups in society to have a vested interest in the MARCO-BOLO results. 18 4.2.1 Survey to profile stakeholders and assess data needs. As part of its Stakeholder Engagement Strategy, MARCO-BOLO will profile stakeholders and their data needs based on a survey and qualitative interviews (WP6). UNIVIE conducted a scoping survey during the MARCO-BOLO kick-off meeting and several interviews within the consortium to gather existing expertise and experience related to stakeholder engagement and data flows. Based on the results, UNIVIE will develop a survey targeting different stakeholder groups to better understand their data needs and allow stakeholders to engage with MARCO-BOLO by joining the CoP or providing feedback within the co-design workshops. The survey will be announced on the MARCO-BOLO website and widely disseminated to reach as many stakeholders as possible. The survey contains a set of different questions related to a) demographics, 2) monitoring experiences and need, 3) biodiversity data use, and 4) use of biodiversity repositories. We specifically focus on the challenges of using biodiversity data and aim to understand the barriers that different stakeholders have encountered. In addition, we aim to identify solutions and concrete data needs, including EBVs and EOVs. The survey will run from the end of June 2023 until the end of August 2023. Preliminary results will be circulated to the consortium at the end of July 2023 to ensure that our results are included in other stakeholder engagement activities. The survey will also be used a tool to educate the respondents about EBVs and EOVs and encourage them to reflect on their biodiversity data related behaviour. The MARCO-BOLO Stakeholder Engagement Strategy is outlined below in Table 3. It includes the objectives, activities and expected impact of engagement per main target stakeholder group throughout the full project duration. Table 3 MARCO-BOLO Stakeholder Engagement Strategy: Target Groups, Objectives, DEC measures and expected impacts. Target Group: INDUSTRY (e.g., Sensor manufacturers, AUV manufacturers, service laboratories specialised in eDNA-based techniques, aquaculture and other blue economy sectors, data users, national environmental protection agencies, national marine management bodies) Objectives: Showcase new technology and connectivity between sensors, their integration into underwater and surface vehicles. Demonstrate the use of marine biodiversity data to monitor environmental health, aquaculture sites, and predict change of conditions and potential harmful environmental changes that will impact production and environmental health. DEC Measures: Industry will be invited early in the project (via CoP) to contribute to the co-creation of MARCO-BOLO outputs, particularly those aimed at monitoring environmental health and industrial impact (positive or negative (T6.2). Bespoke KTPs will be created for industry to maximise uptake of new tools. Participation of MARCO-BOLO to ocean technology trade and fairs as well as a dedicated event will be hosted to demonstrate the technological advances achieved in MARCO-BOLO to the relevant industrial sectors at the end of the project (T4.4 & T6.3). Expected Impacts: Uptake of new technological developments by the relevant industrial sectors, and an increased understanding of how biodiversity monitoring and analysis can improve living resource production, reduce risk of stochastic environmental events (e.g., pollution, HABs) and improve environmental health. Finally, we will demonstrate to environment agencies the robustness and suitability of current biodiversity data to generate their indicators (WP1,3). Target Group: SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY (e.g., Academics and researchers in marine biology, ecology, environmental science, biodiversity observation; IPBES Data and Knowledge Task force; research 19 infrastructures; marine observatories; observation and research data integrators - EMODNet, OBIS, research networks - EuroMarine; SCOR, ECSAEMODnet, EMB, concurrent EU Projects on biodiversity (e.g., DOORS, BRIDGE-BS, AtlantEco, EuroSea, FutureMares, Mission Atlantic, Blue Cloud, BUSEFUL, BIOcean5D), observation networks (e.g. eLTER, GEO-BON via MBON, EuroGOOS/EOOS/GOOS, European Tracking Network, EMOBON via EMBRC, OBON, POGO ), academic-led data standards organisations and digital communities of practice (e.g. GSC, TDWG, ESIP), Biodiversity Partnerships (Biodiversa+) Objectives: Provide the necessary tools to advance multidisciplinary knowledge on marine biodiversity processes & drivers of biodiversity decline, models and scenarios and to allow researchers and observation networks to generate Essential Variables (EVs), and statutory monitoring indicators (e.g., Water Framework Directive (WFD), Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), build augmented, multi sensor, and automated observatories, and introduce international standards to enable European biodiversity observation to contribute seamlessly with global efforts. DEC Measures: Results of MBO will be presented in high-impact OA scientific journals. Data protocols and specifications for creating approved EV products will be verified by the GOOS Bio-Eco panel and GEO BON/MON and submitted to OBPS for OA (WP1). Recommendations for using eDNA protocols, multi-sensor biodiversity observation, and harmonisation of observation methodologies will be disseminated as a single document (T7.3) and as scientific publications. New analytical workflows and VREs will be deployed online for OA (T5.5). Expected Impacts: Improved structuring and robustness of biodiversity observation efforts, based on SOPs and internationally agreed metadata standards, and providing societally relevant data products, better integration with global observation efforts, and smooth integration of data into European and global data archives. New models and tools to assess and predict biodiversity trends and drivers of change. Target Group: POLICY National level: EPA and standards agencies, national and local government departments for marine, national marine management bodies, national science-policy platforms (e.g., Belgian Biodiversity Platform, Foundation pour la recherche sur la biodiversité, Austrian Biodiversity Council, NeFo Germany, NFDI4BioDiv Germany, MEA and IPBES focal points). European level: DGs ENV, MARE, Research, EEA and JRC, Biodiversa+. International level: Convention on Biological Diversity, UNCLOS (BBNJ process), IPBES, IOC UNESCO, ICES, Regional Sea Conventions (OSPAR, HELCOM, UNEP-MAP). Objectives: Protect the ocean commons and make biodiversity data and observation fit for decision and policy making by ensuring that current observation data can be used to generate the relevant monitoring indicators, new protocols tested in the project are adopted and create CoPs that will set standards and implement best practices across the biodiversity observation community, creating a structured and standardised observation platform in Europe. DEC Measures: Established policy indicators (MSFD, WFD) will be enhanced by inclusion of novel observation approaches (e.g., eDNA, imaging) through protocol development (WP2, 4) and demonstration (WP3, 5). Workflows from observation data to policy supporting products on biodiversity trend assessment, blue carbon sequestration and invasive species will be co-created and verified with target stakeholders (WP6) and put in place (WP5) for future policy support. This work will be done in coordination with relevant projects that address the same policy makers and methods for effective knowledge transferred will be agreed across projects (WP7). Expected Impacts: Provide a basis for sound governance and coordination of biodiversity monitoring observation, and increased uptake of biodiversity information to support for enabling European policies meant to on reduced environmental impact, reverse biodiversity decline, and enable science-based decision making, by providing predictive tools, ultimately leading to long-term support 20 for coordinated biodiversity observation and forecasting initiative at European level, in line with the international standards. Target Group: SOCIETY (e.g., Marine biology, ecology, environmental science, biodiversity observation NGOs, consumers, general public, media, benchmarking associations (Marine Stewardship Council, World Benchmarking Alliance)). Objectives: Share and showcase the importance and benefits of marine biodiversity in relation to microbiomes and biodiversity-friendly prevention/mitigation measures, and opportunities for biodiversity recovery. empower citizens to best engage with marine biodiversity observation activities. DEC Measures: Regular maintenance of online project platforms, especially social media channels – engaging directly with stakeholders. Participation at outreach events, including non-scientific events e.g., stakeholder workshops (T6.2) will address how biodiversity data can be used to support policy and decision making. Publishing in non-scientific press sources e.g., testimonies from those trained in T6.3.3 will be uploaded to website and distributed through social media. Graphics and videos to explain the importance and benefits of marine biodiversity, the MARCO-BOLO observation solutions and applications (accessible to non-scientific viewers). Expected Impacts: Greater awareness and interest in marine biodiversity in Europe, as well as the interrelations between biodiversity, health, food, soil, water, air and climate, in particular, risks associated with microbiomes and biodiversity-friendly prevention/mitigation measures, and opportunities for biodiversity recovery are identified. Improved environmental and human health and quality. 4.3 MARCO-BOLO-Specific Stakeholder Events 4.3.1 Stakeholder Co-Design Workshops Co-Design, co-creation and stakeholder consultation will be carried out as part of T6.2 which is led by UNESCO. Three co-design/co-creation workshops will be organised to bring together relevant project participants and end users (policy, industry, civil Society, data/research). Through a phased approach this will setup the necessary feedback loops in the creation of MARCO-BOLO data products for biodiversity management to ensure end user needs and requirements are considered in the project’s output development, the testing of prototype MARCO-BOLO products as well as inputting into the development of impact pathways for effective KT and uptake of the project’s outputs by end users, promoting key achievements towards improved coastal marine biodiversity observation capabilities in Europe. Depending on the outcomes of the co-design workshops and the targeted end user, outputs will be compiled into various resources to ensure maximum impact, which may include videos, policy briefs, infographics, guides and recommendations that address optimisation of marine biodiversity monitoring (tools, gaps, requirements) and blue carbon and the role of marine biodiversity (D6.4 (M48 – November 2026) and D7.5 (M12 – November 2023). In addition to targeted invitations to the stakeholder workshops (WP6) and events (MS6.2), project participants will be encouraged to connect and share results with working groups of experts and relevant networks including research/advisory groups of these authorities. 4.3.2 Knowledge Transfer (KT)/Training Events Dedicated events will be hosted to demonstrate to the relevant industrial sectors the technological advances achieved in MARCO-BOLO at the end of the project. Surveys led by UNESCO and UNIVIE in 21 T6.1 will prioritise biodiversity variables, define specifications and data format to then design training to take place in collaboration with stakeholders during the demonstrator T4.4 led by VLIZ with contributions from NOC, DTU and USE. This will facilitate knowledge exchange and adoption of biosensors and their associated data across site managers, industrial users, etc. as part of T6.3 and facilitate USE in delivering D4.3 (M44 – July 2026). As part of T4.4, a workshop will be organised to introduce stakeholders to the sensors, the data and to deliver an empirical understanding of realworld use cases across sectors from sustainability to the blue economy. The fieldwork and knowledge gained will be disseminated broadly by all project participants and particularly through D4.4 (M48 – November 2026). The resulting roadmap of sensor types, specifications and data flows will be delivered in collaboration with stakeholders to the data portfolio and D7.3 Best Practices for Biodiversity Observation (M48 – November 2026). As part of T6.3.3, led by SSBE with contributions from EMBRC, MBA, CIIMAR and UNESCO, sensor training courses will be provided for relevant industry and civil society stakeholders i.e., the future users of the MARCO-BOLO’s technical and analytical methods, solutions etc. 5. Knowledge Management, Transfer and Exploitation of Results 5.1 Knowledge Management and Knowledge Transfer (KMKT) Overview The EC has identified the importance of improving knowledge transfer (KT) between public research institutions and third parties, including industry and civil society organisations, as one of ten key areas for action 5 . MARCO-BOLO will employ a proven Knowledge Management and Knowledge Transfer (KMKT) methodology to effectively address this key aspect of facilitating project impact. This methodology was originally developed in the FP7 MarineTT project (GA #244164), and further developed and applied by the H2020 COLUMBUS project (GA #652690 - www.columbusproject.eu). This methodology has been applied in many FP7 and Horizon 2020 funded projects such as AQUAEXCEL, AQUAEXCEL2020, AquaInnova, ARRAINA, COEXIST, COMMON SENSE, ECsafeSEAFOOD, MaCuMBA, MG4U, ParaFishControl, MATES, SIMBA, ERGO, REvivED water, RES4BUILD, SEALIVE, BIOGEARS, TechOceanS, MARBLES and WaterLANDS. Knowledge Management (KM) is the process of identifying, capturing, organising, analysing, and storing knowledge to ensure its availability to be transferred effectively to specific and relevant users. Knowledge Transfer (KT) is the process of creating, organising, capturing/sharing/distributing knowledge to ensure its availability for future users, focusing the research being conducted on the wider needs of society and industry 6 . KT encompasses both commercial and non-commercial activities such as research collaborations, consultancy, licensing, spinoff/spinout creation, researcher mobility, and publications etc. KT aims to support mutually beneficial collaborations between universities, businesses and the public sector. The ultimate end benefit of successful KT is the application and influence of knowledge on targeted communities with greater impact (short and long term) across academia, industry and society. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/invest-in-research/pdf/download_en/knowledge_transfe_07.pdf 6 http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-07-127_en.htm?locale=en 22 Project Outputs/Knowledge Outputs (KOs) are described as “a unit of knowledge or learning generated by or through research activity. It is not limited to de-novo or pioneering discoveries but may also include new methodologies/processes, adaptations, insights, alternative applications of prior know-how/knowledge” [Definition developed by AquaTT in the context of the COLUMBUS project]. Typically, such knowledge might be referenced as a small part of a published paper, potentially three to five years after the approach is pioneered in a research project. Key Exploitable Results (KERs) within MARCO-BOLO are tangible or intangible outputs of the action, such as data, knowledge and information whatever their form or nature 7 which have been deemed to be of high priority for project transfer actions. The means by which KERs will be identified from KOs is described in this section, but it is important to note that MARCO-BOLO is not implying any sort of value judgement between KOs and KERs. Rather, the project is simply using this distinction to allow knowledge that is of the most direct impact to the project, or is most feasibly transferable by the project, to be prioritised when assigning resources for transfer. By focusing on identifying KERs and transferring them when they have been assessed as having potential application and impact, it is possible to fast track them, providing a faster impact on targetand end-users external to the project. End User(s) are the individual(s) who are identified as being in a position where they could feasibly apply a given unit of Knowledge (KO/KER) and by doing so create the desired eventual impact of that knowledge. The KO/KER may need to evolve in order to reach the end user. Target User is an individual(s) (organisations should be avoided where possible as specificity is crucial), whose position makes them a potential stepping-stone needed for a KO/KER to progress towards an identified end user and eventual impact. Target users are individuals with a specific mandate or responsibilities relevant to the specific KO/KER being evaluated. Target users should not merely be potential users of knowledge but should be individuals whose application of the knowledge is likely to advance it down the Pathway to Impact. A Knowledge Transfer Plan (KTP) / Pathway to Impact Plan is an informed stepwise plan for achieving the identified eventual impact of any piece of knowledge, regardless of whether this impact is achievable in the short, medium or long term. In MARCO-BOLO these will be developed for all selected KERs. The KTP identifies the end user capable of producing the desired eventual impact and outlines a specific series of transfer activities to intermediate target users. Eventual Impact is the ultimate end benefit of the application of the knowledge (KO/KER). It is defined as an overall enhanced situation, generally for society but it can also be research or industry specific. Eventual impacts can be the adoption of new technologies, products or innovation identified and refined within the project, or a change in protocols. The KMKT of MARCO-BOLO KERs is integrated into the project through WP6 and is the main focus of the MARCO-BOLO Community of Practice (CoP). The core CoP will monitor project progress, provide advice and by the end of the project be able to measure the impact of MARCO-BOLO and how it has improved the effectiveness of the current marine biological observing system (T6.1). UNIVIE will profile end users of MARCO-BOLO’s outputs and identify potential policy windows for impact (Subtask 6.1.2). Led by UNESCO, three co-design/co-creation workshops will be organised to bring together 7 https://intellectual-property-helpdesk.ec.europa.eu/ 23 relevant project participants and end users (policy, industry, civil Society, data/research) to setup the necessary feedback loops in the creation of MARCO-BOLO data products for biodiversity management to ensure end user needs and requirements are considered as well as inputting into the development of impact pathways for effective KT (T6.2). Bespoke KTPs or Impact Plans will be developed by ERINN for individual or clusters of KERs assessed as being of high potential for contributing to the project’s objectives (Subtask 6.3.1). Depending on the outcomes of the co-design workshops and the KTPs, outputs will be compiled into various resources to ensure maximum impact, which may include videos, policy briefs, infographics, guides and recommendations that address optimisation of marine biodiversity monitoring (tools, gaps, requirements) and blue carbon and the role of marine biodiversity (Subtask 6.3.2; Subtask 6.3.3; D6.4; D7.4). All project participants will contribute to the project’s KMKT activities by adhering to the protocols and assisting in the identification, analysis and transfer of MARCO-BOLO’s KERs to their end users. 5.2 Knowledge Management and Knowledge Transfer (KMKT) This section of the PDEC outlines the stepwise process, which will be carried out within MARCOBOLO’s WP6 Stakeholder Engagement and Community Integration led by SSBE. This methodology will see project outputs identified, reviewed, and prioritised to project KERs with developed KTPs. The Figure 1 below outlines an example from ERINN of a full ‘Pathway to Impact’. 5.2.1 Develop and Operationalise a CoP (Lead: UNESCO, contributor: UNIVIE) Phase 1: Identifying and understanding outputs. The KMKT of MARCO-BOLO KERs is integrated into the project through WP6 and is the main focus of the MARCO-BOLO Community of Practice (CoP). As part of T6.1, UNESCO will lead the establishment of a Core CoP with agreed terms of reference and membership (which includes WP leaders in an observer role) by M6 – May 2023. Members of the Core CoP will be representatives from organisations who have a coordinating role in the development of the biodiversity observing system. In contrast, the members of the Wider CoP will be representatives from organisations implementing the biodiversity observing system. The Core CoP will meet virtually every six months to monitor project progress, impact and provide advice. By the end of the project the aim is for them to measure the impact of MARCO-BOLO and how it has improved the effectiveness of the current marine biological observing system. UNIVIE will perform a profiling of end users, identify success stories of how EOVs and EBVs are currently used Figure 1 An example from ERINN of a full ‘Pathway to Impact’ 24 including current methods/forums for stakeholder engagement and identify potential policy windows for impact (Subtask 6.1.2). Effective KT relies on careful identification and description of project outputs to ensure that all key information is provided which will result in effective transfer. Quality control measures will be performed, to ensure that the project output(s) can be clearly understood by others who may not be experts in the relevant disciplines. Each project participant will treat information from other participants as confidential unless otherwise stated and not disclose it to other parties unless the information is publicly available. It is important for all project participants to note that project outputs are not only the final results of research, but they can also be part of the methodology to obtain the final result, which could be an innovation for a research area or process. This step aims to understand the positioning of a project output to be better able to carry out impactful KT activities. It intends to help clarify how the project output could be beneficial to different target and end users. This step identifies potential applications, target and end users and the eventual impact of a project output. This information will also inform the development of KTPs for KERs. It should be noted that outputs/KERs, especially those identified early in the project, are likely to continue to develop over the course of MARCO-BOLO. Identified outputs will be periodically reviewed by UNESCO and participants asked to provide updates if applicable. 5.2.2 Co-Design, Co-Creation and Stakeholder Consultation (Lead: UNESCO, contributors: SSBE, MBA, CIIMAR) Phase 2: Identified outputs are reviewed and assessed for potential application and impact. Led by UNESCO as part of T6.2, three co-design/co-creation workshops will be organised to bring together relevant project participants and end users (policy, industry, civil society, data/research). Through a phased approach this will setup the necessary feedback loops in the creation of MARCOBOLO data products for biodiversity management, to ensure end user needs and requirements are considered in the project’s output development, the testing of prototype MARCO-BOLO products as well as inputting into the development of impact pathways for effective KT and uptake of the project’s outputs by end users, promoting key achievements towards improved coastal marine biodiversity observation capabilities in Europe. The Core CoP will plan two of the workshops. The first workshop will take place by M18 – May 2024 and will aim to get buy-in from the Wider CoP to ensure an effective co-design/cocreation/consultation phase as part of T6.2. The second workshop will take place by M46 – September 2026 and will aim to facilitate the successful uptake of the MARCO-BOLO KERs and resources, and therefore enable impact measurement of MARCO-BOLO on improving the effectiveness of the current marine biological observing system. An essential step in the MARCO-BOLO KMKT methodology is the identification of output applications, potential impact and respective end users (e.g., applications could be in various areas and sectors not just the one in the research area of the project) for each output which has been assessed as having high potential application and impact. Those outputs that are validated and deemed to be of priority for the project will be re-labelled as Key Exploitable Results (KERs) and progressed to the third phase. Any output that is not made a KER will 25 continue to be periodically reviewed and any remaining at the end of the project will still be captured as evidence of project results for final reporting. The identification of target users in the analysis stage is critical to laying the groundwork for transfer and exploitation plans in the third phase. The exercises in this phase may also serve to identify potential stakeholders that are worth connecting with, even in cases where the knowledge may not yet be ready for transfer. Depending on the outcomes of the co-design workshops and the targeted end users, outputs will be compiled into various resources to ensure maximum impact, which may include videos, policy briefs, infographics, guides and recommendations that address optimisation of marine biodiversity monitoring (tools, gaps, requirements) and blue carbon and the role of marine biodiversity (D6.4, D7.4). In addition to targeted invitations to the stakeholder workshops, project participants will be encouraged to connect and share results with working groups of experts and relevant networks including research/advisory groups of these authorities. PROTOCOL At periodic intervals, UNESCO will organise output and KER “expert analysis meetings” with the PIC and the Core CoP. The frequency and makeup of these meetings will be determined in collaboration with the Coordinator EMBRC as well as based on the current status of output identification and management in the project. The expert analysis meetings will carry out a thorough examination and evaluation of the outputs (identified so far) and their applicability and readiness for transfer. Particular attention will be paid to: • Identification of all likely targetand end users. We encourage project participants to be as specific as possible and innovative when determining potential end users. • It is important to consider the following when profiling targetand end users: o Understand the user’s mandate or responsibilities; o Consider their background knowledge, attitude, and practice in relation to the issue; o Understand their knowledge needs; o Understand what and who may influence their decisions; o Be aware of their preferred sources of information and knowledge. • Identification of associated application and impact potential. Assess the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) that could inform the development of an appropriate output pathway to impact, where the output requires further research, validation or scale-up. Experts in these meetings will be asked to: • Confirm the accuracy and feasibility of transfer both within and beyond the project (but as a direct result of the project) for each presented output, to the best of their understanding. • Assign to each output a ranking to determine whether it should be prioritised as a KER based on its current status. • Discuss and identify potential target users to whom the knowledge should be transferred to progress it towards its eventual impact. 32 Participants wishing to communicate via the MARCO-BOLO Twitter accounts have the following options: • Send a short message (280 characters max) to ERINN (email [email protected]) who can post from the MARCO-BOLO account on your behalf. Ideally, include an image or short video to make it more visually appealing. • Refer to MARCO-BOLO by tagging the project (using @MARCOBOLO_EU on Twitter) in your own tweets; ERINN will always aim to retweet/share such posts. • Retweet/share MARCO-BOLO posts through your personal and institutional social media accounts. Tips • Social media is becoming increasingly visual — post pictures, videos, GIFs or data visualisations. • Engage with your audience using replies, retweets/shares or tags. • Ask questions instead of making statements to drive conversation. • Leverage existing social media presence e.g., the host institution, researchers, team members or other relevant organisations, and tag and follow relevant accounts, particularly EC accounts (i.e., @REA_research, @HorizonEU, @EUScienceInnov) and use hashtags (i.e., #HorizonEU) • Follow the news and use trending hashtags where appropriate. • Content could include the announcement of milestones, results, scientific publications, press releases, newsletters, etc. or when the project is featured at a conference or event. 6.1.7 Press Releases Press releases are issued to appropriate media outlets (trade press, journals, web portals) to ensure that industry, communities, civil society, policymakers, and the wider community are aware of the project, its objectives and its later outcomes. The strategy is intended to ensure that there is media coverage at local, regional, European and international levels. ERINN will share project news through internal (consortium mailing list, stakeholder database and project participant networks) and external (press releases, social media, etc.) channels, which ensures a broad awareness of the project across the spectrum of relevant stakeholders. Project participants are encouraged to publish articles and press releases at regional, national, and international levels, making use of their own communication networks and channels. ERINN can support project participants in these activities. PROTOCOL – Press Releases Project participants should notify ERINN if there is news suitable for an official project press release: • ERINN will develop a draft and seek approval from the MARCO-BOLO Coordination team. • Once approved, press releases will be disseminated using appropriate channels. • They will be uploaded to the project website and all project participants are encouraged to distribute at national or regional level. • Give the MARCO-BOLO Project Manager ([email protected]) at least 15 days’ notice of an upcoming press release so that she can notify our EC Project Officer to support its promotion. 33 • Where necessary the project participants can adapt the press releases to customise them to their audience and if needed translate the articles. NOTE: Project participants may also initiate the writing of press releases (e.g., local, national). ERINN can then support writing and editing if required. Participants are asked to provide a short summary in English if the original communication is in another language. Participants who publish any article/press release at a regional or national level must send a copy to ERINN and where possible provide metrics to demonstrate uptake by other news channels/readership. 6.1.8 Video A professional MARCO-BOLO video will be developed for project participants to disseminate and promote the MARCO-BOLO project at events and on social media. The video will showcase the project to the general public, explaining the approach and the value of the research being conducted by MARCO-BOLO. The video will be promoted on the MARCO-BOLO project website under the Resources section and MARCO-BOLO Google Drive. Participants will be encouraged to add it to their accounts of video-sharing websites, such as YouTube and Vimeo. Participants are also encouraged to share the video with their wider networks and so it is hoped the video will be adopted by the consortium for use in their existing international outreach activities. 6.1.9 Other Resources and Tools As the project progresses short videos, infographics, animations, social media visuals and GIFS, etc. will be created to present the project activities in an attractive and dynamic way. At least five short media clips will be developed for participants to disseminate and promote the MARCO-BOLO project and its outcomes. These other resources and tools will be uploaded to the MARCO-BOLO website under the Resources section and participants will be encouraged to share them through their channels. Other promotional material can be developed as required, depending on budget availability and considering sustainability. Please contact ERINN ([email protected]) with any other ideas for promotional material to support your communication and dissemination activities. 7. Dissemination and Communication Activities The purpose of MARCO-BOLO’s DEC activities is to make the project, its results and activities known to society at large so that all stakeholders, also beyond the project’s own community, will be able to understand its messages. All MARCO-BOLO participants will dedicate time to perform DEC activities and will be encouraged to engage in a two-way exchange with the public at large, and where possible the media, with the aim to show how EU research and innovation funding has a positive impact on society. Through its DEC activities, MARCO-BOLO will demonstrate why working together in a European consortium is important in addressing a challenge that affects all societies. 7.1 PDEC Tools, Channels and Target Groups A key component of the MARCO-BOLO communication strategy is co-development by ongoing engagement with key stakeholders and as the project progresses, it will be critical to ensure that the project outcomes are effectively and efficiently transferred to the relevant applications by policy, community, and research users, etc. A distinct strategy will be applied to each targeted audience, using appropriate messages, means, and language. In order to effectively promote and spread awareness about the MARCO-BOLO concept and results so as to achieve the expected impacts, the 34 following communication tools and activities (Table 4) will be designed and implemented by the consortium and coordinated and monitored by WP7 Communications lead ERINN. Table 4 MARCO-BOLO DEC Tools, Channels and Target Groups (high level) Communication tools to increase visibility and showcase the work throughout the project sharing regular related news and result updates to reach out and communicate to target audiences raising awareness about the project and triggering their interest to engage with the project’s outputs Industry Scientists Policy makers Citizens Project Website: Will constitute the main communication tool as it provides easy access to a broad audience around the world. The website will be designed following the best practice guidelines for EU project websites. Online latest at M6 and for at least another 5 years after project end. Target: >10,000 visits over the project duration, >100 signed up to ‘Subscribe to News’ through the website     Branded Portfolio: Presentation templates, infographics, factsheet – presented and distributed at relevant events and online by all project participants Target: Reach >5,000 people overall.     Press Releases & Promotional Articles: Press releases will be produced regularly making use of a range of services and publications aiming at increasing awareness about the project’s objectives, progress and outcomes. Target: At least 6 press releases or promotional articles published, leading to publication of at least 15 articles in websites, press and specialised publications.     Videos: Will introduce the project and its objectives, as well as project outcomes and contributions. Target: One professional video and at least 5 shorter media clips will be viewed by >10,000 people in total.     Social Media Strategy: A project Twitter account will target the general public as well as specific targeted stakeholders. All project participants’ social media accounts will share content and point out the relevance for their specific target groups, and thus direct their audience to MARCO-BOLO’s channels and website. Target: Social media presence latest from M3 and for the full duration of the project, with Twitter and other social media activity with targeted promotional campaigns (for promoting specific topics) reaching >30,000 people.     Participation in relevant virtual and physical events: Represented in the major relevant international (research, policy and industry) events over the full duration of the project. Meetings will be planned in synergy with the other consortium accepted for funding (e.g., OBAMA-NEXT). Target: Represented in >10 relevant international events (e.g., World Aquaculture & Fisheries Conference, European Marine Biology Symposium, Ocean OPS, Ocean Sciences Meeting, national stakeholder workshops & working group meetings by external organisations).     35 Project network and events: Active cooperation with the other project selected under this call topic (e.g., OBAMA-NEXT) and complementary successful projects (BIOcean5D, Biodiversa+, EuropaBON, EU4OceanOBS, DTO BioFlow, MBON). Target: Interaction with and capitalise on other marine biodiversity projects & initiatives (section 1.2); form a cluster with the other project co-funded from the call/with concurrent biodiversity governance projects (T7.4) and reaching out to UN Decade Programmes to optimise synergies and avoid overlaps; organise stakeholder co-creation workshops (T6.2); conduct sensor training courses (T6.3.3) for relevant industry and civil society stakeholders (future users of the MARCO-BOLO’s technical and analytical methods/solutions).     OA Scientific Publications (in high impact peer-reviewed journals), review articles and editorials: The consortium will publish at least 20 OA articles over the full duration of the project. A selection of science, industry and policy journals will be identified that are the most appropriate. Target: >20 publications providing mapping, monitoring and data access to relevant biodiversity attributes to improve coastal marine biodiversity observation capabilities and restore ocean health (e.g., Marine Biology, Frontiers in Marine Science, Marine Biology Research).    Stakeholder Co-Design Workshops: 3 workshops organised in T6.2, KT assets and resources developed in T6.3 and other outreach activities in T7.3 and T7.4. Target: The CoP to engage key stakeholders in co-design and co-creation of products for biodiversity management and promote key achievements towards improved coastal marine biodiversity observation capabilities in Europe.     7.2 External Events All project participants have a responsibility to engage the public in their research activities and results and take advantage of the potential for public interest that MARCO-BOLO generates. Project participants are encouraged to initiate dissemination activities that are appropriate for the irrespective contributions and ERINN can provide support as required. Examples include live broadcasts, blogs, institute open days/nights, etc. The project results will also be presented as oral presentations, posters, etc. at major international meetings and conferences of relevance to MARCO-BOLO. Conferences, seminars, workshops, and other meetings are very useful forums to consult with MARCO-BOLO target audiences in a face-toface capacity and to address issues relevant to the work done in the project. International and sector relevant conferences, meetings, etc. will be frequently attended to communicate the results of the project to the maximum number of persons. See protocol for public outreach activities below. Table 5 below shows a list of potential events that may be of interest to MARCO-BOLO participants or stakeholders. These events will be added to the project website. Table 5 Relevant events for MARCO-BOLO consortium and stakeholders Event Location Date World Aquaculture & Fisheries Conference Global Annually (Next: May 2023 in Japan) 36 Copernicus Marine General Assembly European Annually (Next: June 2023 in Brussels) Symposium for European Freshwater Sciences (SEFS13) European Annually (Next: June 2023 in England) International Conference on Aquatic Ecosystems and Freshwater Biodiversity (ICAEFB) Global (Next: June 2023 in Japan) International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) Global Every two years (Next July 2023 in Rwanda) International Conference on Marine Ecosystems and Freshwater Biodiversity (ICMEFB) Global (Next: August 2023 in New York European Marine Biology Symposium (EMBS) Europe Annually (Next: September 2023 in Iceland) 10th EuroGOOS International Conference Europe Every three years (Next: October 2023 in Ireland) GEO BON Global Conference: Monitoring Biodiversity for Action Global Next: October 2023 in Canada Ocean Sciences Meeting Global Every two years (Next: February 2024 in New Orleans) Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals Global Every two years (Next: November 2024 in Australia) UN Water Conference Global Annually PROTOCOL – Public Outreach Activities: Internal and External Events Project participants should notify ERINN if there is news suitable for an official project press release: • Project participants should inform the Project Coordinator and ERINN of their planned outreach activities so they can be promoted. • Project participants should inform other participants about the event via email. If the planned outreach activity involves the dissemination of MARCO-BOLO results, the pre-dissemination requirements of the prior notice protocol and the IP Assessment Form must be carried out (see section 3.1). • All activities, including attendance at external events should be added to the MARCO-BOLO Continuous Reporting Log, providing insight on type of activity, objectives, target audiences, reach (number of people) and the total cost allocated for the activity (see section 3.2). • All public engagement and outreach activities must be reported during (internal and external) reporting periods. • ERINN will include events on the MARCO-BOLO website. • ERINN will update the EC Portal on all Dissemination Activities. 37 7.3 Scientific Publications – Relevant Journals The consortium expects to publish at least 20 OA publications over the full duration of the project. These publications will provide mapping, monitoring and data access to relevant biodiversity attributes to improve coastal marine and freshwater biodiversity observation capabilities and restore ocean health. A selection of science, industry and policy-relevant journals that are relevant to the project include: Marine Biology, Frontiers in Marine Science, Marine Biology Research, Marine Biodiversity, Water Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 8. PDEC Monitoring and Evaluation The PDEC functions as an operation manual and will be updated throughout the project. WP7 Communications lead ERINN will continue to review and amend the PDEC in line with the latest DEC activities and project results. As part of the revision process, each subsequent version of this deliverable will be validated by the consortium. Furthermore, the project coordinator (EMBRC) and project participants will also review the PDEC at each review stage and provide recommendations. The current version will function as the operational manual and will be revised as part of D7.6 Joint actions report – Report on the joint actions, communication & exploitation products and activities, targeting end-users of common interest, and update of D7.4 (M48 – November 2026). 9. Project participants involved in the work All project participants are expected to carry out DEC activities. ERINN will provide coordination and support to all activities. 38 Appendix Annex 1 – Acronyms AUV: Autonomous Underwater Vehicle HAB: Harmful algal bloom CoP: Community of Practice HELCOM: Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission Copernicus: EU Union's Earth Observation Programme ICES: International Council for the Exploration of the Sea DANUBIUS-RI: The International Centre for Advanced Studies on River-Sea Systems IOC-UNESCO: The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO DEC: Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication IPBES: Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services EBVs: Essential Biological Variables JRC: Joint Research Centre eDNA: Environmental DNA KMKT: Knowledge management and knowledge transfer EEA: European Environmental Agency KTP: Knowledge Transfer Plan eLTER: European Long-Term Ecosystem, critical zone and socio-ecological systems Research Infrastructure LTER: Long-Term Ecosystem Research EBV: Essential Biodiversity Variable MEA: Marine Energy Alliance ECSA: European Citizen Science Association MBO: MARCO-BOLO EEA: European Environment Agency MBON: Marine Biodiversity Observation Network EMB: European Marine Board MSFD: Marine Strategy Framework Directive EMO BON: European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network NeFo: The German Network-Forum for Biodiversity Research EMODNet: The European Marine Observation and Data Network OBIS: Ocean Biodiversity Information System EOOS: European Ocean Observing System OBON: Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network EOV: Essential Ocean Variable OBPS: Ocean Best Practices System EPA: Environmental Protection Agency OA: Open access EV: Essential Variable OSPAR: Oslo and Paris Conventions FAIR: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable POGO: The Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility SCOR: Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research GEO BON: The Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network UNCLOS: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea GEOSS: Global Earth Observation System of Systems UNEP-MAP: United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan GOOS: Global Ocean Observing System WFD: Water Framework Directive 39 Annex 2 – Glossary “Access rights” are the rights to use results or background related to the project, as set out in the Grant Agreement (https://ec.europa.eu/info/fundingtenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/glossary). “Background” Any data, know-how and/or information, whatever its form or nature (tangible or intangible) – including any rights such as intellectual property rights – which are needed to carry out the project or exploit its results. (https://ec.europa.eu/info/fundingtenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/glossary). “Dissemination” means the public disclosure of the results by any appropriate means (other than resulting from protecting or exploiting the results), including by scientific publications in any medium. (https://www.iprhelpdesk.eu/sites/default/files/newsdocuments/FS-Plan-for-the-exploitation-anddissemination-of-results_1.pdf). Communication, dissemination and exploitation are interlinked concepts that are sometimes being confused. Read this handy flyer from the EC to find out what is the difference between them. “End Users” are last Target User identified on the Knowledge Output Pathway, i.e., individual(s) who will apply the Knowledge Output at the end of the Knowledge Output Pathway. Once they apply the KO, Eventual Impact is reached. The Knowledge Output may have undergone several revisions/adaptations through the value chain before reaching/being relevant to the needs of the enduser. Definition according to COLUMBUS (Horizon 2020 project: 652690). “Exploitation” means the use of results in further research activities other than those covered by the action concerned, or in developing, creating and marketing a product or process, or in creating and providing a service, or in standardisation activities. (https://www.iprhelpdesk.eu/sites/default/files/newsdocuments/FS-Plan-for-the-exploitation-anddissemination-of-results_1.pdf). Communication, dissemination and exploitation are interlinked concepts that are sometimes being confused. Read this handy flyer from the EC to find out what is the difference between them. “Eventual Impact” the ultimate end benefit of the application of the Knowledge Output, and its influence/effect once taken up and applied by the target community. It is defined as an enhanced situation that is contributing to a need (political, industrial, scientific or societal). Definition according to COLUMBUS (Horizon 2020 project: 652690). “Knowledge Management” is the process of identifying, capturing, analysing, organising, and storing knowledge to ensure its availability and ability to be transferred effectively to specific users. It comprises a range of practices used by organisations to identify, create, represent, and distribute knowledge for reuse, awareness and learning. Definition according to MarineTT (FP7 project number 244164); COLUMBUS (Horizon 2020 project: 652690). “Knowledge Outputs” are units of knowledge or learning generated by or through research activity. They are not limited to de-novo or pioneering discoveries but may also include new methodologies/processes, adaptations, insights, alternative applications of prior know-how/ knowledge. Definition according to COLUMBUS (Horizon 2020 project: 652690). 40 “Knowledge Output Pathway” can be a single step or a series of steps required to carry a Knowledge Output to its Eventual Impact. Where there are a series of steps, it will include detailed mapping of the steps, the users involved at each step and their predicted role in the pathway to Eventual Impact. Definition according to COLUMBUS (Horizon 2020 project: 652690). “Knowledge Transfer” is the term for the overall process of moving knowledge between knowledge sources to targeted potential users of knowledge. Knowledge Transfer consists of a range of activities which aim to capture, organise, assess and transmit knowledge, skills and competence from those who generate them to those who will utilise them. Definition according to COLUMBUS (Horizon 2020 project: 652690). “Target User” is the individual(s) who you have identified in your Knowledge Output Pathway to whom a Knowledge Output will be transferred. They are not necessarily the end-user or participant of the KO; rather they can be the steppingstone needed for a KO to progress towards an Eventual Impact. More than one Target User can be part of one KOP. Definition according to COLUMBUS (Horizon 2020 project: 652690). 41 Annex 3 – IP Assessment Form IP Assessment Form for screening of dissemination and communication activities to ensure protection of results. Cells to be filled by author, cells to be filled by WP7 Communications lead ERINN. IP Assessment Prior to Dissemination Description / Comments Title of the Dissemination or Communication Activity Type of Dissemination or Communication activities, including details on names, dates, places, etc. Scientific Publications: Article in Journal; Publication in Conference proceedings/ Workshop; Book/ Monograph; Chapter in a Book; Thesis/ Dissertation; Other Dissemination and Communication activities: Organisation of a Conference; Organisation of a Workshop; Press release; Non-scientific and non-peer-reviewed publication (popularised publication); Exhibition; Flyer; Training; Social Media; Website; Communication Campaign (e.g., Radio, TV); Participation to a Conference; Participation to a Workshop; Participation to an Event other than a Conference or a Workshop; Video/ Film; Brokerage Event; Pitch Event; Trade Fair; Participation in activities organized jointly with other Horizon Europe project(s); Other Where to find it (if it is/will be published)? Give information on where to find the Dissemination or Communication Activity, if it will be in the public domain, e.g., website address, scientific journal details, etc. Have all contributors to the Dissemination or Communication Activity been included in the author list where relevant, or are otherwise properly acknowledged? Include the names of the authors here Do all authors agree on this Dissemination or Communication activity? Declaration of the main/ corresponding author • Q1: Have different institutions been involved in this Dissemination or Communication Activity? • Q2: If yes, have you taken care of ownership issues? How? • Answer to Q1: • Answer to Q2: Is appropriate acknowledgment to EU included? Note: always include the statement indicated in the MARCOBOLO Brand Guidelines into any MARCO-BOLO Dissemination or Communication Activity. If possible, also include the EU emblem Which part of the MARCO-BOLO project does the Dissemination or Communication Activity correspond with? Include WP number and, if possible, tasks numbers