The EU-funded ENHANCE initiative has officially begun its three-year mission to protect coastal ecosystems. The project was launched during a two-day hybrid kick-off meeting in Athens, Greece, on December 9–10, 2024. Hosted by SingularLogic (Greece), the project coordinator, the event brought together more than 20 partner representatives to establish a collaborative framework for the initiative’s ambitious goals.

About ENHANCE

Coordinated by Dr. Stamatia Rizou from SingularLogic (Greece), ENHANCE aims to mitigate the growing threats of eutrophication, climate change, and human-induced pressures on coastal environments. The project promotes sustainable coastal management by addressing these challenges and their impacts on human, animal, and environmental health.

ENHANCE is funded under the “Digital, Industry, and Space” pillar of Horizon Europe, with a total budget of €1.7 million, fully supported by the European Union and under the guidance of the European Space Agency.

Kick-Off Meeting Highlights

The meeting opened with an online address from the EU Officer and EUSPA representative, who provided an overview of the Horizon Europe program, EUSPA’s role, and the broader project implementation.

Project Coordinator Dr. Stamatia Rizou then officially launched the meeting, presenting ENHANCE multidimensional approach through detailed work packages. Each work package leader outlined their respective scopes, defining a roadmap for the upcoming stages.

The second day focused on finalizing the work roadmap, refining task allocations, and setting clear milestones for the months ahead.

A Strong Foundation for Innovation

The discussions and collaborations during the kick-off meeting have laid a solid foundation for developing innovative solutions in coastal management and preservation. With a clear roadmap in place, the ENHANCE consortium is poised to drive impactful advancements in protecting coastal ecosystems.