ARE BEST NbS
Aquatic and Riparian Ecosystems: Biodiversity and Economic Service
Transitions from Nature-based Solutions
Reference:
BiodivNBS/0011/2023
Coordinator:
University of Southern Denmark
Research Group:
Sustaining Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
BIODIVERSA +
Abstract
The main goal is to understand how different groups of stakeholders perceive biodiversity, how lived experiences influence these perceptions and values, and how such changes interact with processes of valuation, assessment, and decision-making in riparian Nature-based Solutions (NbS) aimed at promoting biodiversity and ecosystem services. The specific objective for Portugal is to integrate ecological and economic contributions to decision-making concerning riparian NbS, using cost-benefit analysis (CBA) to integrate multiple types of values, including biodiversity value from different perspectives (ecological, social, cultural, artistic). The project employs techniques such as “mental models,” “revealed and stated preferences,” and “immersive experiences,” in collaboration with project partners, and uses the Ave River basin as the case study. It includes both a societal perspective—analyzing the costs and benefits of riparian forest corridors (eco-ways) compared with intensive agricultural areas—and a business perspective—assessing the net impacts of a phytoremediation pond at the Agra wastewater treatment plant (Águas do Norte, S.A.).
The project’s relevance to society lies in its potential to inform improved practices for incorporating the value of biodiversity and ecosystem services, foster stakeholder engagement, and promote open communication throughout the entire process of riparian NbS project decision-making and implementation.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/04/2025 - 31/03/2028
CBMA Funding:
106 232,15 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Partners
University of Southern Denmark, Denmark (COORDENADOR)
UiS Business School, University of Stavanger, Norway
University of Minho - CBMA, Portugal
MOME Innovation Center, Moholy-Nagy University of Arts and Design, Hungary
Utrecht University, Netherlands
Secret Hotel, Denmark
Green Gap
Promotion of local green infrastructures for biodiversity restoration, renaturalization, and design of climate change resilient landscapes in urban and rural areas of Galicia and North of Portugal
Reference:
0029_GREEN_GAP_1_E
Coordinator:
LAB2PT - University of Minho
Research Group:
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Bruno Castro
Funding Agency:
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF/FEDER) - European Territorial Cooperation Program – INTERREG Spain-Portugal
Abstract
Green Gap is an initiative aimed at strengthening the role of Local Administration as a means to implement and improve Green Infrastructure in the cross-border region, and to ensure that the Local Administration of the Euroregion plays an active role in promoting green infrastructure at the local level. The project operates in the cross-border region of Galicia and Northern Portugal, including, among other actions, a total of 7 Green Infrastructure pilot projects as demonstration practices. It also aims to protect, conserve, and enhance nature and the elements that make up the green infrastructure in the cross-border area, promoting its planning, contributing to halting biodiversity loss, and enhancing natural ecosystems, the urban environment, and ecosystem services, all at the local scale.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/07/2023 - 30/06/2026
CBMA Funding:
0 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Partners
Universidade do Minho;Universidade da Coruña;
Câmara Municipal de Guimarães;
Concello de Ourense;
ICNF - Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Floresta;
Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente, I.P.;
Laboratório da Paisagem de Guimarães;
Instituto de Estudos do Território;
CEER – Centro de Estudos Euro (Rexionais) Galiza, Norte de Portugal;
Concello de Pontevedra; Diputación de Ourense;
Município de Paredes de Coura
3DMemBio
3D Printed Membrane and Bioremediation for the Reduction of Per and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances Pollution in Aquatic Ecosystems
Reference:
HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01 nr.101151986
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
TRANSLATING LIFE
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01-01 — MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023
Abstract
The 3DMemBio project aims to develop a cutting-edge hybrid technology to efficiently degrade harmful per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. It combines photocatalysis for initial pollutant breakdown with bioremediation to further degrade toxic byproducts. The project uses advanced 3D printing to create multilayered polymer membranes embedding photocatalysts and antibacterial agents. These innovative membranes are designed for reuse, promoting a circular economy approach. Collaboration across multidisciplinary fields ensures this eco-friendly technology is scalable and suitable for real-world water remediation applications.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/07/2025 - 30/06/2027
CBMA Funding:
156,778.56 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Partners
GUT (Gesellschaft für Umweltsanierungstechnologien mbH),UMIL (Universita degli Studi di Milano)
eDNAqua-Plan
A plan towards an eDNA reference library and data repository for Aquatic Organisms, navigating Europe towards the next generation biodiversity monitoring
Reference:
eDNAqua-plan - 101112800
Coordinator:
EUROPEAN MARINE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE CENTRE EUROPEAN RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE CONSORTIUM - EMBRC-ERIC
Research Group:
Computing Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
European Commission
Abstract
eDNAqua-Plan will deliver a roadmap for harmonized aquatic monitoring using eDNA tools in Europe and beyond.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
09/2023 - 08/2026
CBMA Funding:
49 607,50 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Partners
EUROPEAN MARINE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE CENTRE EUROPEAN RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE CONSORTIUM - EMBRC-ERIC (Coordenadora);Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA);
Wageningen University;
EIGEN VERMOGEN VAN HET INSTITUUT VOOR LANDBOUW EN VISSERIJONDERZOEK - EV ILVO;
Universidad de Valencia;
Sorbonne Université;
UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION -UNESCO;
EUROPEAN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY - EMBL;
E-SCIENCE EUROPEAN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH;
Associação Biopolis;
INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE POUR L'AGRICULTURE, L'ALIMENTATION ET L'ENVIRONNEMENT (INRAE);
University Duisburg-Essen;
University of Lodz;
Seascape Belgium;
Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee |Flanders Marine Institute;
International Hellenic University (IHU);
Finnish Environment Institute
Fish-DNA-Monitor
Supporting monitoring and management of fisheries resources in Guinea-Bissau through capacity-building on cutting-edge DNA-based approaches
Reference:
FCTAGA-KHAN/541703280/2019
Coordinator:
CBMA
Research Group:
Computing Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT & Aga Khan Foundation
Abstract
Guinea-Bissau is creating a sustainable fishing sector to meet international fisheries agreements and to tackle global changes in marine ecosystems, which is vital to improve the GB economy and the quality of life of its people.
Therefore we aim to : i) Build scientific and technical capacity on the application of DNA-based approaches to fisheries resources' monitoring and management in local institutions, through training programs, knowledge transfer, laboratory internships and implementation workshops; ii) Implement a DNA barcode reference library for GB's fisheries resources together with tissue and DNA vouchers; iii) Devise a tailored protocol of DNA metabarcoding in zooplankton surveys, providing accurate identifications of fish eggs and larvae, thereby providing key information on spawning grounds and seasons and estimated recruitment.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/2022 - 01/2025
CBMA Funding:
212 472,50 €
Research Team
Partners
INIPO - Instituto Nacional de Investigação de Pesca e Oceanografia e IEO - Instituto Español de Oceanografía
FUNACTION
Aquatic Fungal biodiversity: developing knowledge and strategies to inform Conservation priorities and measures
Reference:
DivProtect/0007/2021
Coordinator:
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden
Research Group:
Sustaining Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
Aquatic fungi (AF) ensure the health, function, and resilience of freshwater and estuarine ecosystems. Yet, their biodiversity is overlooked and largely unknown. Thus, they are excluded from all major conservation plans. For the first time, thanks to technological advances in sequencing and the combined expertise of FUNACTION partners, we will build knowledge about AF taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity to develop AF-aware strategies for conservation in Europe.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
April 2023 - March 2026
CBMA Funding:
79 890,00 €
Website:
CBMA Research Team
Isabel Fernandes
Partners
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden (COORDINATOR)University of Minho, Portugal
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Switzerland
University of Tartu, Estonia
Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Germany
National Research Council, Italy
Indianapolis Zoological Society, United States of America
GreenPalm
Development of sustainable date palm-based agro systems by preserving their biodiversity
Reference:
PRIMA/0001/2019
Coordinator:
Instituto de la Grasa, CSIC, Espanha
Research Group:
Growing Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the oldest known fruit crops. This species requires a long, intensively hot summer with little rain, and a good access to water. In arid regions, such environment is only provided by oases, where this crop can establish a sustainable system in agricultural areas, by controlling air temperature, humidity and soil–water dynamics. This crop provides important resources for nomadic tribes and local populations, thus playing an important social role for the subsistence of a large population group. Despite the oases’ potential to tolerate several abiotic stresses, the ongoing climate change is enhancing the environmental pressure on date palms affecting their growth and development. South Mediterranean areas are facing a dramatic decrease in the diversity of their traditional date palm cultivars used for culinary, cosmetics or medicinal purposes. Improving their production and their socio-economical valorisation is crucial for developing a competitive sustainable agriculture with a high Mediterranean specificity in line with traditional and world policies. The main objective of this proposal is to conserve the biodiversity and improve the sustainability of Mediterranean date-palm agrosystems by genetic, microbiological and technological approaches.
Status:
Concluded
Start / End:
1 Jun 2020 - 31 May 2024
CBMA Funding:
100 000 €
CBMA Research Team
Partners
University of Minho - CBMA (Portugal)
Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection - INSPP (Italy)
Faculty of Sciences-University of Gabes (Tunisia)
Université Saad Dahlab Blida - USDB (Algeria)
RIPARIANET
Prioritising riparian ecotones to sustain and connect multiple biodiversity and functional components in river networks
Reference:
DivProtect/0010/2021
Coordinator:
CBMA - University of Minho
Research Group:
Sustaining
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
FCT
Abstract
Conservation policy in river basins still do not account for the geometry of riparian networks, hindering their capacity to sustain adequately regional biodiversity. The RIPARIANET project emerges to provide novel insight for identify resilient floodplain systems. Main goals are: Remotely identify conservation hotspots; Provide a ground-proof quantifying riparian biodiversity and functioning; Translate this novel insight into an assisting tool for floodplain systems for multiple stakeholders.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
04/2023 - 03/2026
CBMA Funding:
79 946,00 €
Website:
https://riparianet.eu/
CBMA Research Team
Partners
Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität (Germany),Fondazione Edmund Mach (Italy),
University of Roma Tre (Italy),
FUNDACIÓN INSTITUTO DE HIDRÁULICA AMBIENTAL DE CANTABRIA (Spain),
Umeå University (Sweden)
SELFAQUASENS
Advanced manufacturing of self-sensing bio-based membranes for environmental detoxification and revalorization
Reference:
101131379 — SELFAQUASENS
Coordinator:
Fundación BCMATERIALS - Basque Center for Materials, Application and Nanostructures
Research Group:
Translating Life
CBMA Principal Investigator:
Funding Agency:
European Commission
Abstract
SELFAQUASENS project will develop a modular self-sensing filter and membrane technology able to: (I) remediate heavy metals and salinity pollutions in mining water, (II) couple the remediation to the recovery of CRE and (II) sense the concentration of specific elements or groups of elements during the process.
Status:
Ongoing
Start / End:
01/01/2024 - 31/12/2027
CBMA Funding:
795,800.00 €
Website:
-
CBMA Research Team
Pedro Martins
Partners
Fundación BCMATERIALS - Basque Center for Materials, Application and Nanostructures (Coordenadora);Universidad de Huelva (UHuelva);
Universidad de Chile;
UNIVERSIDAD DE BUENOS AIRES;
United Kingdom Research and Innovation;
Wise4Automation, Lda;
University of the Free State - Microbial biochemical and food biotechnology;
UNIVERSIDAD DEL PAIS VASCO/ EUSKAL HERRIKO UNIBERTSITATEA (UPV-EHU);
Proteinmat materials SL;
ENERGIATUDOMANYI KUTATOKOZPONT
VINNY
Advanced nano encapsulation of bio-based pesticides and fertilisers for a circular and sustainable viticulture