Jéssica Uchôa

University of the Azores | UAc · Grupo da Biodiversidade dos Açores

My current research is focused on the development of geospatial applications and products.

The overall objective of MaCoBioS is to ensure effective and integrated management and conservation strategies for European marine coastal ecosystems to face climate change. To address this overall objective and the expected impacts of the call, a set of specific objectives (SOs) has been determined: SO1: Develop new empirical models on the interaction between climate change, biodiversity, functions and services in marine coastal ecosystems along a geographical gradient from the tropics to the sub-polar regions, including the Mediterranean Sea. New ecological knowledge on the ecosystem’s condition will be incorporated in the functional modelling of marine coastal ecosystems. SO2: Establish a framework to assess the vulnerability of marine socio-ecological systems under climate change scenarios. Multiple ‘what-if’ scenarios will be tested to identify the response of marine coastal ecosystems to climate effects. The project will characterise novel indices encompassing biodiversity, ecosystems ecological condition and services provisioning along both environmental and socio-economic dimensions for a holistic assessment of socio-ecological systems vulnerability. SO3: Evaluate the effectiveness of nature-based solutions and protection measures at enhancing the resilience capacity of marine coastal ecosystems. The project will assess the effectiveness of nature-based solutions and protection measures to preserve and/or increase biodiversity together with human well-being. These nature-based solutions will be tested against their capacity to ensure the integrity of marine coastal ecosystems facing multiple stressors and the delivery of ecosystem services to mitigate climate change threats. SO4: Provide evidence-based guidance for marine policy formulation and innovative research pathways. Project results on the inter-relations between climate change, biodiversity and ecosystem services will support policymakers to develop appropriate and cost-effective nature-based solution strategies and thus meet the targets of EU strategies on Biodiversity and Climate Change as well as other international commitments. They will furthermore lead to the elaboration of innovative research orientations for improving the implementation of nature-based solutions.