IHCantabria joins SEADITO project, which aims to transform marine governance through digital ocean twins
The SEADITO project is based on a participatory approach, as it involves multiple stakeholders, from scientists and managers to local users. This collaborative approach allows the development of models adjusted to the social, economic and environmental realities of the marine territories
In the framework of this project, IHCantabria is leading a pan-European case study focused on analyzing the socio-ecological vulnerability of coastal communities to threats such as pollution, biodiversity loss and uncontrolled human development
With the aim of improving marine management in Europe, the Environmental Hydraulics Institute of the Universidad de Cantabria (IHCantabria) has joined as a partner in the implementation of the project entitled “Socioecological Analysis and Modeling for the Digital Ocean Twin” (SEADITO).
This project combines science, technology and citizen participation to design a new generation of socio-ecological models integrated into the Digital Twins of the Ocean (DTO), a powerful tool for improving knowledge of the ocean. The models generated will allow to simulate, with unprecedented accuracy, the interactions between society and the marine environment, to facilitate more informed and sustainable decision making.
Coordinated by the University of Aalborg (Denmark) and with the participation of ten European scientific partners -including IHCantabria, since a month ago-, the SEADITO project seeks to establish interactive digital tools that serve as a support platform for the formulation of appropriate policies and for marine planning. In this context, and under the coordination of Ramón y Cajal researcher Daniel Depellegrin, IHCantabria is leading a pan-European case study focused on analyzing the socio-ecological vulnerability of coastal communities to threats such as pollution, biodiversity loss and uncontrolled human development.
Through the use of open data, qualitative and quantitative indicators, and tools such as the SEADITO Explorer and the WIST Scenario Toolkit, this project is based on a participatory approach, as it includes multiple stakeholders, from scientists and managers to local users. This collaborative approach allows the development of models adjusted to the social, economic and environmental reality of marine territories.
Case studies will be carried out in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the Mediterranean and in a pan-European framework, providing a multi-scale view of the cumulative impact on coastal socio-ecological systems. In particular, IHCantabria’s work will demonstrate how to integrate data from platforms such as CMEMS, EMODnet, Copernicus or Eurostat into practical models that guide maritime spatial planning at national and regional levels.
SEADITO also supports the European Union Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” by providing educational and decision-making tools to move towards a just and ecosystem-based transition. Its results will strengthen the knowledge base needed to implement sustainable marine policies, incorporating the voice of local stakeholders and generating solutions that are adapted to different governance contexts.
This innovative project, which started in September 2024 and will culminate in August 2027, marks a decisive step towards the development of the European Digital Ocean Twin (EDITO), contributing intermediate components and comprehensive services that will anticipate and manage the challenges of Europe’s blue future.
More information on the SEADITO project can be obtained through the following website: https://seadito.eu.
Example of oil and gas infrastructure and offshore wind energy potential. Image identifying one of the areas where the SEADITO project is being carried out
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme under Grant Agreement No 101157243
