ODESA, AUGUST 23rd, 2013, CONTEXT-PRICHERNOMORIE ― On the premises of Odesa State Environmental University, European scientists have discussed the establishment of a “Towards COast to COast NETworks of marine protected areas (from the shore to the high and deep sea), coupled with sea-based wind energy potential”, Context-Prichernomorie correspondent reports.

The press service of OSEU reported yesterday, 22 August.

According to the press service, the second meeting of the joint pilot projects was held in the framework of the research theme of the European Union’s 7FP Project “Towards COast to COast NETworks of marine protected areas (from the shore to the high and deep sea), coupled with sea-based wind energy potential” (CoCoNET).

The coordinator of the project “CoCoNet” is Institute for Marine Science of Italian National Research Council . The event was organized in Odesa, with the assistance of the Embassy of Italy in Ukraine, the Italian Cultural Institute in Ukraine and Odesa State Environmental University.

The meeting was held 29-30 July, in the conference room of OSEU. The event was attended by about 50 representatives of 39 research institutes and universities from 22 countries.

During the meeting they discussed new ideas and concepts. The meeting was an important step in the development of coastal areas through the exchange of views and experiences among participants.

As it was added in the press-service, the project covers a wide range of issues, provides for the development of modern holistic approach and promotes the integration of the scientific communities in the regions of the Mediterranean and Black Sea through intensive teamwork and close communication with stakeholders and the general public.

The activity of the international consortium aims to create a network of marine protected areas. Also, a considerable attention is paid to the use of wind power as an alternative source of energy in the coastal areas.