MARBEFES Bridging Disciplines: UEA and UNITR Visit Sardinia for Research Collaboration with CNR
Research Synergy in the Heart of the Mediterranean
In July 2024, researchers from the University of East Anglia, Valentina Di Gennaro, and the University of Trento, Carlo Fezzi and Nan Zhang, embarked on an important visit to Sardinia, Torregrande (Oristano). The aim was to foster research collaboration with the National Research Council (CNR) team – Paolo Magni, Giorgio Massaro, Stefania Coppa, Andrea De Lucia, Alessia Dinoi and Jacopo Giampaoletti- as part of the MARBEFES (MARine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning leading to Ecosystem Services) project. This initiative was particularly focus on the economic valuation within the Sardinia Broad Belt Transect (BBT), highlighting the interplay between marine biodiversity and economy and well-being.
A Four-Day Interdisciplinary Exchange
The four-day meeting was characterized by a rich interdisciplinary exchange, underpinned by a mutual desire to understand the language and methodologies of each other’s fields. The agenda seamlessly blended hands-on fieldwork with in-depth discussions, laying a robust foundation for ongoing and future collaborations.
Field Trips and Practical Insights
One of the highlights of the visit was a boat-based field trip aimed at monitoring sea urchin populations. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into the practical aspects of marine biodiversity assessment and was essential for grounding theoretical discussions in real-world data.
Deep Dives into Natural Capital Accounting
Discussions during the meeting delved deeply into natural capital accounting and economic welfare valuation. These sessions were not just academic exercises; they were vital for understanding the policy impacts of economic valuation in marine ecosystems and how these valuations can inform better management and conservation strategies, ensuring that economic growth aligns with ecological sustainability.
Key Outputs and Future Directions
The meeting yielded several important outputs:
1. Interdisciplinary Knowledge Transfer: Participants exchanged methodologies and perspectives, enhancing their understanding of how different disciplines approach similar problems.
2. Development of Natural Capital Supply and Use Tables: These tables are crucial for systematically recording the flows of ecosystem services supplied by the ecosystems and the societal benefits and users, providing a structured way to integrate ecological and economic data.
3. Economic Modelling: The team worked on refining economic models to better capture the complexities of marine ecosystems and their contributions to human welfare.
4. Data Gap Identification: Recognizing areas where data is lacking is a critical step for further research. This collaboration helped in prioritizing future data collection efforts to refine analysis and improve model accuracy.
Cultural Exchange and Local Delights
Beyond the academic and research-focused activities and thanks to the warmly hospitality, participants enjoyed local food, experiencing the rich cultural heritage and beautiful beaches of Sardinia. These moments of relaxation and cultural immersion helped strengthen the bonds between researchers, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Conclusion: A Proficient Collaboration
In summary, the visit by UEA and UNITR researchers to Sardinia for collaboration with CNR was a resounding success. The interdisciplinary approach, combined with practical fieldwork and comprehensive discussions, paved the way for significant advancements in the MARBEFES project. This meeting not only advanced scientific knowledge but also highlighted the importance of collaboration and mutual understanding in tackling complex environmental issues. The beautiful setting of Sardinia provided an inspiring backdrop for this fruitful and proficient collaboration, promising ongoing benefits for both marine biodiversity and economic valuation research.