ZMT receives half a million Euro from BMBF to strengthen innovation potential

Research at the ZMT lays the scientific foundation for the protection and sustainable use of tropical coastal ecosystems. Mangrove forests, coral reefs and seagrass meadows count among the most productive habitats on Earth. These ecosystems are of great social and economic importance, and the livelihoods of millions of people depend on them. They provide food, produce bioactive substances, act as protection against natural disasters such as storms or floods and are important for tourism.

“We will use the financial support of the BMBF to reorganise knowledge and technology transfer at the ZMT to give an even stronger voice to our research. Thus we will make a vital contribution to the protection and the sustainable use of coastal ecosystems in the tropics,” says Dr. Fedder.

Political consulting would be one of the target fields. “Results from the various research projects that our scientists are involved in can be utilised to develop concrete recommendations for an environmentally safe management of ecosystems on a local, regional and national level,” explains Dr. Fedder.

Furthermore, ZMT-generated processes and results could be applied in a number of different business sectors such as aquaculture, aquaristics, fisheries, waste management industry, food production, sensor technologies, environmental diagnostics and consulting as well as tourism. The Bremen-based institute could also conduct social and environmental impact studies in relation to development schemes, such as building projects or extraction of raw materials.

To implement these plans the ZMT is working closely with an external partner. Dr. Fedder and his team at the Office for Knowlegde Exchange will develop a strategy for integrated utilisation on the basis of already existing transfer processes and at the same time define adaptable processes at the ZMT. “We will focus on screening compatible technologies as well as developing and implementing project-specific transfer plans,” he says.

Contact:
Dr. Bevis Fedder | Büro für Wissensaustausch
Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenökologie (ZMT)
Email: bevis.fedder@leibniz-zmt.de | Tel: +49 (0) 421 238 00-67

About the BMBF programme ”Professionalisation and stabilisation of a transfer concept”:
By supporting selected research institutes in the development of strategies and processes in knowledge and technology transfer the BMBF fosters the exchange between independent research institutions, business, politics and society – one of the goal of the Federal Government within its high-tech strategy “Innovations for Germany”.

About the Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT):
Since 1991 the Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) has dedicated its research and training to the better understanding of coastal ecosystems in the tropics. The ZMT focuses on the structure and functioning of these habitats, their response to anthropogenic and natural influences and the use of resources. In close cooperation with partners in the tropics, the ZMT leads interdisciplinary projects combining natural and social sciences. Scientists at the ZMT also support the development of expertise and structures in its partner countries to allow for sustainable coastal zone management. In collaboration with the University of Bremen, Jacobs University and the University of Oldenburg the institute trains students and young scientists from all over the world in marine tropical ecology. More than 200 members of staff, students and guest researchers are currently working at the ZMT.