Compendium for Coast and Sea (2013)
An integrated document about the socio-economic, ecological and institutional aspects of the coast and the sea in Flanders and Belgium.
In the marine and maritime sector, there is an increasing demand for scientifically underpinned and up-to-date information in response to social issues and problems. This information, although partially available, is often highly fragmented, sector bound and/or has limited access.
In the ‘Compendium for Coast and Sea’, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) aims to aggregate objective and scientifically based information and data from Flemish/Belgian marine and maritime research. The integrated and transboundary character (including the land-sea border) of the Compendium contributes to an improved communication within and from the fragmented marine / maritime scientific world and increases the accessibility and visibility of the marine / maritime research (A ‘business card’ of the Flemish/Belgian marine and maritime scientific community). Hence, the compendium serves as a tool in the pursuit of a Sustainable and Integrated Maritime Policy and Coastal Zone Management.
Product
The ‘Compendium for Coast and Sea’ is the result of a close collaboration with a network of experts (co-authors, lecturers, VLIZ scientific board, …). The product will consist of several components (see below) and will be issued in both English (lingua franca of science) and Dutch (cf. guardianship VLIZ).
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A comprehensive background document (updated every 5 year) that contains an overview of the marine scientific landscape (part 1), a summary of the different user functions with regard to the coast and sea (part 2) and an explanation of the interface between science and policy (part 3).
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A focus document (max. 30-40 pages) and an executive summary (max. 3 pages).
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A website serving as a portal for data and information (e.g. time series) which will be updated annually, as far as possible.
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Communication products within the existing VLIZ services (Information sheets, Seastats, ‘De Grote Rede’, VLIZINE, …) and new communication products (presentations, brochures, translations, …).
The Compendium focuses primarily on academics, a broad group of experts who are actively involved with the coast and sea in their professional life (both at international, European, national, regional and local level) and representatives from business.
The outlines of the Compendium were delineated in detail in the blueprint.
The timing for the realization of the Compendium is outlined in a roadmap (version 14 January 2013).
Within the framework of this initiative, the Expert Group 'Compendium for Coast and Sea' was established. The objectives and mission of this Expert Group are stipulated in the terms of reference (only available in Dutch at the moment) (more information: composition of the expert group, the presentation of the kick-off meeting, the presentation of the meeting of 2 April 2012 and the presentation of the meeting of 8 October 2012).
The Compendium will be produced in close collaboration with a network of co-authors and lectors. The objectives and role of the co-authors and lectors are described in the terms of reference (ToR co-authors & ToR lectors, only available in Dutch at the moment)
Contact: compendium@vliz.be
