Science and Policy Integration for Coastal System Assessment (SPICOSA)

SPICOSA aims to create a self-evolving, operational research approach framework for the assessment of policy options for the sustainable management of coastal zone systems. SPICOSA contributes to the understanding of social interactions within coastal zone systems and how these impact the environment and future policies. It supports the implementation of existing EU Directives and ICZM good practices. Main SPICOSA results include:

• The Study Sites Applications: The Project tests its methodology (System Approach Framework, SAF) at eighteen Study Site Applications (SSAs) all over Europe for this purpose.
• SAF Protocol User’s Handbook: the results of all the SAF applications are synthesized into a type of SAF user’s manual for future applications. It also includes complementary information of use to the researcher and end-user.
• Ker-COAST, the design concept for an interactive on-line deliberation support tool for discovery and analysis of the ICZM challenges facing public policy makers, the business world, scientists, and civil society.
• EXTEND, the simulation software applied at SPICOSA Study Sites makes it possible to show how complex Coastal Zone systems react to a wide range of changes in the use and management of these systems.
• SPICOSA WIKI research results are added to the internet encyclopedia.
• SETNet, a training platform for disseminating information, knowledge and experiences about systems approaches, specifically for ICZM students and coastal professionals in Europe