How can the economic and ecological potential of an aquatic bioeconomy be sustainably tapped? This is the question being addressed by the joint project AQUATOR - Accelerator for the Development of the Aquatic Bioeconomy. Alongside six other partners, the Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research at the University of Oldenburg is also on board the project. Andrea Hain has joined the COAST team as a research assistant for the three-year research project.
Previously, the new Oldenburg resident worked in the office of the Bavarian Bioeconomy Expert Council and was involved in the implementation and further development of the bioeconomy in southern Germany. New challenges now await her with the marine bioeconomy project. With her background in social and political sciences, Andrea pursues a holistic approach to the bioeconomy: "A change in our way of life and economy cannot take place without the involvement of all social actors. Participation is an important key to sustainable, bio-based value chains. In the coming months, I therefore want to engage in dialogue with stakeholders in order to gain new insights into the socio-ecological consequences of the marine bioeconomy."
AQUATOR is funded by the BMBF as part of the "Bioeconomy on Marine Sites" (BaMS) innovation area. The project focuses on the development and provision of comprehensive services and infrastructure along bioeconomic value chains from an operational, socio-economic and administrative perspective. During the course of the project, a platform will be developed to support entrepreneurs in the development of business models and their evaluation. At the same time, various stakeholders will be brought together to harmonise supply and demand for bio-based materials and products and to develop linked business models. COAST is particularly dedicated to analysing the added value and conflict situations that arise from concrete measures of the aquatic bioeconomy in regional societies and their environment.
Further information on the BaMS innovation area and AQUATOR can be found here: https://www.bams.uni-kiel.de/de