Policy Briefs

2021 01 Fostering Biodversity Data Sharing in the WIO Policy Brief English

The ZMT Policy Briefs (see drop down list below) are part of a series of policy briefs aimed at informing policy makers about research at the ZMT and formulating specific environmental policy recommendations.

The Policy Briefs illustrate the high practical as well as policy relevance of ZMT research for tropical coastal zone management. Each Policy Brief is published in English and, where appropriate, in the language of the partner country.

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Policy Brief "Humboldt Tipping: From Mental Systems To Leverage Points In The Sechura Marine Resource System"

Authors:

Achim Schlüter (a), Ben Nagel (a), Carlos Nuñez Beingolea (b)

(a) The authors work at, or are affiliated with the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany,

(b) Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP), Lima, Peru

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21244/zmt.2026.002

 Seiten aus ZMT Policy Brief Sechura English v2

Recommendaciones Políticas "De Los Modelos Mentales A Seis Puntos De Intervención En El Sistems De Recuros Marinos De Sechura"

 Autores:

Achim Schlüter (a), Ben Nagel (a), Carlos Nuñez Beingolea (b)

(a) Los autores trabajan en el Centro Leibniz de Investigación Marina Tropical (ZMT) de Bremen, Alemania, o están vinculados a dicho centro,

(b) Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP), Lima, Peru

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21244/zmt.2026.003

 

 

 

Blue Tourism Initiative

https://bluetourisminitiative.org/main-publications/sustainable-blue-tourism-in-the-western-indian-ocean-trends-challenges-and-policy-pathways/

Authors: Judy Kepher Gona (Sustainable Travel and Tourism Africa), Paul Baraka, (CORDIO East Africa), Angelo Sciacca, (IDDRI), Giulia Balestracci (Eco-Union), Joshua Rambahiniarison (CORDIO East Africa), Lucy Atieno (Sustainable Travel and Tourism Africa, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research - ZMT)
Coordinator: Angelo Sciacca (IDDRI), Giulia Balestracci (Eco-Union)
Contributors & Reviewers: Jeremie Fosse (Eco-union), Julien Rochette (IDDRI), Samson Obiene, (CORDIO East Africa)

Cover Potential of Blue Carbon for Global Climate Change Mitigation

Reise, Judith, Urrutia, Cristina, von Vittorelli, Laura, Siemons, Anne and Jennerjahn, Tim (2024) Potential of Blue Carbon for global climate change mitigation. , ed. by Umwelbundesamt, UBA, Voß, Katja and Erxleben, Friederike. Emissionsbilanz erneuerbarer Energieträger, 24 . Umweltbundesamt, Berlin, 39 pp.

Download: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/en/publikationen/potential-of-blue-carbon-for-global-climate-change

Cover 2021 01 Improving Biodversity Data Sharing in the WIO Policy Brief English

Sophia Kochalski

Lotta Clara Kluger

and Annette Breckwoldt

Kochalski, Sophia, Kluger, Lotta Clara and Breckwoldt, Annette (2024) Kleine Küstenfischerei und Meeresschutzgebiete: Ein gemeinsamer Weg zu „30×30“?. , ed. by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH, GIZ. , Bonn, 28 pp.

Download: https://www.giz.de/de/downloads/giz2024-de-studie-30x30.pdf

 

 

 

Cover 2021 01 Improving Biodversity Data Sharing in the WIO Policy Brief English

Photo: H. Reuter, ZMT

A Western Indian Ocean Information Management Strategy (IMS) (2024)

Editors:
Hauke Kegler (ZMT), Alexandra Nozik (ZMT)

Authors - The Information Management Strategy is a collective effort, with special acknowledgment to the Multi-Stakeholder Working Group, who not only contributed extensively to its drafting but are also esteemed co-authors of this document. A full list of editors, authors and contributors can be be found here.

Name

Expertise & Designation

Country

Kamal Thabiti Soudjay, Ph.D

Researcher

Comoros

Dr. Nadjim Ahmed Mohamed

Laboratoire des Sciences marines et Littorales Faculté des Sciences et Techniques Université des Comores

Comoros

Mrs. Susan Auma Otieno

Fishery Expert & Assistant Director Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation State Department for Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Blue Economy

Kenya

Dr Arshad Rawat

Director - Oceanography / Marine Geosciences Unit Prime Minister’s Office Department for Continental Shelf and Maritime Zones
Administration and Exploration

Mauritius

Dr. Abdikarim Hersi

Climate change, environmental governance, Food security and livelihood and fisheries sector development

Somalia

Dr Abdulqadir Omar Ziyad

Marine Science Department

Somalia

Mr. Masumbuko Semba

Oceanographer and Data Scientist

The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)

Tanzania

Nassor Abdalla Nassor

Head of ICT and Fisheries Statistics, Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Department of Fisheries Development and Marine Resources-Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Lauren Williams

Scientist (Geospatial): Oceans Research Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

South Africa

Julien Barde, PhD

IT Research Engineer at IRD and Expert in Data and Fisheries Science

France

Mr Ranaivosoa Rija Mamitiana Olivier

Head of Unit of the Spatial Reference Information System, National Office for the Environment (ONE) of the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development

Madagascar

Mr. Justin Prosper

Ag. Director General of the Climate Change Division

Seychelles

Ms Sofia Chambe

Geomatic Studies

Mozambique

Dr Shannon Hampton

Ocean Governance, Fisheries, Pollution, Invasive Species

South Africa

James Mbugua

CORDIO EAST AFRICA/ GIS and data management

Kenya

Siajali Pamba

University of Dar es Salaam/ Dr. Physical Oceanography

Tanzania

Naly Rakotoarivony

Blue Ventures/ Head of policy and partnership / Marine conservation

Madagascar

Mathias Igulu

USAID

Tanzania

Harrison Ong'anda

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute/ Marine ecology, data management, GIS & Remote Sensing

Kenya

Peter Manyara

IUCN / International Union for Conservation of Nature/ Regional Program Manager of Coastal and Ocean Resilience

Kenya

Mr Edson Anselmo Jose

RARE/ Senior manager for data and monitoring

Mozambique

Ednah Onkundi

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute/ Marine ecology, data management, GIS & Remote Sensing

Kenya

Edmond Kuto

Wetlands International/ Geographic Information System

Kenya

Emmanuel M. Mpina

TNC / The Nature Conservancy (US International organization) / Marine Spatial Planning

Tanzania

Doreen Simiyu

SWIOTUNA / Tuna Fisheries

Kenya

Maafaka Ravelona

WWF Madagascar / Technical Officer

Madagascar

Tanguy Nicolas

FFI/ Programme Manager

Seychelles

John Ngatia

IOC-UNESCO/ Programme Assistant

Kenya

 

Editors

Name

Expertise & Designation

Country

Sean Fennessy

Oceanographic Research Institute

South Africa

Joëlle Rahantarivelo

Blue Venture

Madagascar

 

Nairobi Convention- Technical and Funding Support through SAPPHIRE and EU- MEAs projects

Name

Expertise & Designation

Country

Theuri Mwangi

National Project Officer

Kenya

Agnes Mukami Muriuki

Programme Assistant

Kenya

Melisa Wandia Mureithi

Communication Assistant

Kenya

Abel Kiprono

Programme Assistant

Kenya

 

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) – Technical and Funding Support through the Western Indian Ocean Governance Initiative Project

Robin Farrington- Programme Manager Yvonne Waweru-Senior Advisor

Carol Mutiso- Program Officer

Collective Leadership Institute gGmbH - Strategy development process facilitation

Douglas F. Williamson Mai ElAshmawy

Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) - Technical Advice & Strategy Development

Hauke Reuter Rebecca Lahl Hauke Kegler Alexandra Nozik

 

Frias, J., Müller, C., & Capuano, T. (2024). Plastic pollution and the plastisphere: findings and recommendations. Policy Brief - MicroplastiX.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10560911

 

 

Summary


This study investigates how blockchains can contribute to improve the environmental and social outcomes of Payments for Environmental Services (PES) schemes. Blockchains are a system of electronic records to establish a consensus around a shared digital ledger of transactions.
Transactional information is recorded in blocks and chained together using cryptographic means. Blockchains were first proposed in 2008 as a technology to coordinate decentralized economic transactions through the internet.

Payments for Environmental Services (PES) are widely used incentive-altering mechanisms for influencing human activities to achieve environmental goals. They influence the payment matrix on environment-related activities by offsetting incurred costs and generating additional economic incentives for environmentally friendly activities. The received environmental payments give serviceproviders
the opportunity to diversify their income while reducing their dependency on extractive or environmentally harmful activities.

PES are a particularly relevant tool to ensure the provision of public-good environmental services, which otherwise would not be provided. Despite increasing global demand and willingness-to-pay for environmental services, might it be by individuals or states, global PES schemes are very slow to emerge. Bulky transaction costs and insufficient institutional alternatives for conducting environmental transactions
are a reason for this imbalance. Difficulties and expenses in finding a conservation counterpart, establishing contract conditions, monitoring outcomes and transferring funds hinder the establishment
of such exchanges. Blockchains can help counter these difficulties.

Blockchains offer a decentralized and fraud resistant way of organising and monitoring transactions. Distributed ledgers, smart contracts (automated & only to be changed based on consensus), crypto wallets, and programmable money (which can only be spent or earned under predefined circumstances) are blockchain-supported applications that can help significantly reduce transaction costs and increase trust for all parties involved.

You can download the full study here: Blockchain and Payments for Environmental Services: Tools and Opportunities for Environmental Protection

Title: Blockchain and Payments for Environmental Services:
Tools and opportunities for environmental protection
Authors: Julian Granados - Achim Schlüter
ISBN: 978-3-00-075090-8.

Cover 2021 01 Improving Biodversity Data Sharing in the WIO Policy Brief English

Dr. Julian Granados

Prof. Dr. Achim Schlüter

Ximena Rojas Giraldo (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit - GIZ GmbH)

Rebecca Lahl

Ejecución de proyectos de adaptación al cambio climático en comunidades locales: adaptandose a las instituciones existentes y haciendo que importen, DOI: https://doi.org/10.21244/zmt.2023.004

Cover 2021 01 Improving Biodversity Data Sharing in the WIO Policy Brief English

Dr. Julian Granados

Prof. Dr. Achim Schlüter

Ximena Rojas Giraldo (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit - GIZ GmbH)

Rebecca Lahl

Implementing climate change adaptation projects in local communities: adapting to existing institutions and making them matter, DOI: https://doi.org/10.21244/zmt.2023.003

Logo TI weiß auf Orange

Animal experiments are used for some research projects at the ZMT. In its animal experimental research, the institute is committed to the principles of animal protection as laid down by law. This includes respect and careful, gentle handling of animals.

ZMT is a member of the "Transparent Animal Experiments" initiative of the German Alliance of Science Organisations, which was launched in summer 2021 by the "Understanding Animal Experiments" initiative and the DFG's Senate Commission on Animal Experiments. The aim is to promote transparency and open discussion on research involving animals.

With what goal do we conduct research on animals?

In accordance with its mission, the ZMT conducts research for the protection and conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems of the tropics. Effective protection of these habitats and their animal species is only possible if the animals' way of life and adaptive capacities are known and if one can assess the effect of environmental conditions, human influences and also protective measures on these animals.

At the ZMT, animal studies are used to address research questions related to climate change, environmental pollution, ecosystem changes due to resource use, sustainable aquaculture (IMTA), and novel marine diets.

What animal groups do we conduct research on?

These include various fish species, such as the Lusitanian toadfish (Halobatracus didactylus), the blue-striped snapper (Lutjanus kasmira) and the jewel rockhopper (Salarias fasciatus), as well as decapod species such as the mangrove crab (Uca tangeri).

Where are the laboratory animals kept?

An important factor for the welfare of the animals is their appropriate housing in modern animal facilities. The requirements for animal husbandry are specified in the relevant European Directive (EU 2010/63) for each animal species and are binding for legislation in the member states of the European Union.

The ZMT operates a seawater experimental facility where tropical organisms can be kept under species-appropriate conditions throughout the year. The tropical plants and animals are housed in holding and experimental systems of various sizes (10 litre aquarium to 3000 litre holding system). The enclosures are regularly inspected by the responsible authority of the state of Bremen.

How are the experimental animals kept?

For optimal husbandry we use artificial or natural seawater, temper air and water and create currents. The animals are fed with frozen, live or pellet food adapted to the respective organism. In addition, the behaviour of the animals is included in the housing conditions. For example, hiding places are offered and the socialization of organisms is made possible. The conditions in the experimental tanks are also optimally adapted to the respective organism.

The daily examination of all organisms is carried out by trained personnel with many years of experience, so that conspicuous animals can be immediately identified, isolated and, if necessary, treated. For treatment of diseased fishes we are in direct contact with the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover.

Ethical framework

Animal experiments at the ZMT are conducted according to the 3Rs principle, which provides the ethical framework for planning and conducting research involving animal experiments and is also the basis of the German Animal Protection Act:

Whenever possible, alternative methods that do not involve animal experiments are used (replacement), the number of animals used is minimized if no alternative methods are available (reduction), and state-of-the-art methods are used and, if necessary, further developed to reduce harm and suffering to animals in scientific procedures (refinement).

These measures are under constant review and are also the subject of applications for projects including animal experiments. They may only be carried out if they have been approved by the competent state authority.

Numbers

Tabelle Zahlen ENG

Animal Welfare Officer and Animal Welfare Committee

Every public and private institution in Germany where researchers conduct animal experiments is required by law to appoint an animal welfare officer and an animal welfare committee. The ZMT has also appointed an animal welfare officer and an animal welfare committee to assist in animal welfare issues.

The Animal Welfare Officer advises the scientists in all matters concerning animal welfare. The person is involved in the planning of the animal experimental studies and has a controlling function in the execution of the experiments and the keeping of the animals. In addition, he/she is the contact person for official inquiries. The Animal Welfare Officer is supported by the animal welfare committee. At the ZMT, the Animal Welfare Officer himself/herself and three scientific and technical staff members from the field of animal experimental research are members of the Animal Welfare Committee.

Do you have any questions? Please feel free to contact us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ocean Acidification in Africa Newsletter (10/2021)

 

Ocean Acidification Policy Brief

Ocean Acidification in Africa Newsletter

Roshan T Ramessur, Nayrah Shaltout, Sheck Sherif, Ashley Bantelman, Trevor Eakes, and Peter Swarzenski, Sebastian Ferse, Heath Kelsey, Patrizia Ziveri

Rebuilding Coral Reefs: A Decadal Grand Challenge

Knowlton N, Grottoli AG, Kleypas J, Obura D, Corcoran E, de Goeij JM, Felis T, Harding S, Mayfield A, Miller M, Osuka K, Peixoto R, Randall CJ, Voolstra CR, Wells S, Wild C, Ferse S. Rebuilding Coral Reefs: A Decadal Grand Challenge. International Coral Reef Society and Future Earth Coasts, 56 pp. https://doi.org/10.53642/NRKY9386

Ocean Gov Policy Brief 02/2021

European COST Action CA15217

Global and Regional Management of Ocean Acidification

Galdies, C., Canu, D, Guerra, R., Martinez Romera, B., Tiller, R.

.

Ocean Gov Policy Brief 01/2021

European COST Action CA15217

How can FLAGs really help fishing communities?

Svels, K., Miret-Pastor, L., Pascual-Fernandez, J.

Cover 2021 01 Improving Biodversity Data Sharing in the WIO Policy Brief English

Dr. Hauke Kegler

Dr. Hauke Reuter

Fostering Marine Biodiversity Data Sharing for Decision-Making in the Western Indian Ocean Region, DOI:  10.21244/zmt.2021.001

Ocean Gov Policy Brief 02/2020

European COST Action CA15217

Adapting to Climate Change Effects on Land Sea Interactions

Stojanov, R., Uscinowicz, G., Peev, P. and Kathijotes, N

Ocean Gov Policy Brief 01/2020

European COST Action CA15217

 

Cove OceanGov Policy Brief 1 2020

Governing Land Sea Interaction

Achim Schlüter, Kristof van Assche, Anna-Katharina Hornidge, Maria Natasa Vaidianu

Ocean Gov Policy Brief 01/2018

European COST Action CA15217

Cover OG Policy Paper 2018 01 final

Carolin Hoffmann, Christian Neumann, Anna-Katharina Hornidge

Capacity development for sustainable ocean governance: Lessons learned from academia, policy and practice

IASS Policy Brief 3/2016

 

Cover IASS Policy Brief 2016 3

Capacity Development for Oceans, Coasts, and the 2030 Agenda

Shackeroff Theisen, J. M., Atkinson, S. R., Awad, A., Beaudoin, Y., Canals, P., Durussel, C., Edwards, P. E. T., Gombos, M., Hornidge, A.-K., Lameier, M., Nakamura, T., Philibotte, J., Porsché, I., Pratt, C., Robertson, L. F., Schwab, P., Unger, S., Winter, A. (2016)

Cover PB Ghana Sustainably managing fisheries in water reservoirs

Dr. Seth Mensah Abobi
Prof. Dr. Matthias Wolff

Sustainably managing fisheries in water reservoirs: A case from Northern Ghana, DOI: 10.21244/zmt.2020.003

 Cover Policy brief Kluger Peru ENG web

Dr. Lotta Clara Kluger      

Estimating sustainable levels of scallop bottom aquaculture in Sechura Bay (Northern Peru), DOI: 10.21244/zmt.2017/002   

Estimando Niveles Sostenibles en la Acuicultura de bivalvos en la Bahía de Sechura (Norte de Perú), DOI: DOI:10.21244/zmt.2017.005

Weitere Informationen:
Kluger LC, Wolff M, Taylor MH, Tam J (2016). Carrying capacity simulations as a tool for ecosystem-based management of a scallop aquaculture system. Ecological Modelling 331, pp. 44-55, DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2015.09.002

Projekt: Sustainability analysis of scallop culture in Sechura Bay (Peru)

Cover Policy brief GWM Costa Rica ENG web

Dr. Gabriela Weber de Morais    

Governance of Marine Protected Areas: Where the Past Meets the Future, DOI: 10.21244/zmt.2016.001

Gobernanza de Áreas Marinas Protegidas: Donde el Pasado y el Futuro convergen, DOI: 10.21244/zmt.2016.002   

Weitere Informationen:
Weber de Morais, G., Schlüter, A., Verweij, M. (2015). Can institutional change theories contribute to the understanding of marine protected areas? Global Environmental Change 31, pp. 154-162, DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2015.01.008

Projekt: Governance of Marine Protected Areas in Costa Rica: Stability and change of institutions