Erasmus Mundus Design Measures: From Catchment to Coast - Towards an Integrative and Interdisciplinary Master in Aquatic Sciences and Management

ongoing

Both marine and freshwater ecosystems undergo unprecedented biodiversity loss as a result of anthropogenic environmental change (2024 Living Planet Report). Despite their interconnectedness they are often studied and managed separately and within local climatic regions. While challenging, there is a pressing need to establish interdisciplinary and integrative research and education across marine and freshwater ecosystems globally, and positioned in a socio-ecological context with a targeted focus on aquatic Nature-based Solutions and the restoration of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem functions (BES). This new project aims to establish an innovative, research-based educational network addressing global and regional challenges in marine and freshwater ecosystems. By facilitating strategic partnerships across Europe, Asia, and Africa, the new initiative aims to enhance capacity building, knowledge exchange, and sustainable aquatic resource management. Ultimate key objectives include (1) strengthening the internationalization of educational programmes in aquatic sciences, (2) promoting interdisciplinary approaches to conserve and restore aquatic ecosystems across habitats (freshwater, coastal, marine) and climatic regions (Arctic, (sub)tropical, temperate), (3) facilitating collaborative capacity building between institutions in high- and low-middle-income countries, (4) preparing students to have a global and integrated perspective on water governance, coastal resilience, and ecosystem management since catchment-to-coast systems are inherently transboundary. This initiative aims to design an interdisciplinary International MSc in Integrated Aquatic Sciences and Management: “Catchment to Coast” (C2C) to be submitted as a fully integrated Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree. The C2C Design Measures (C2C-DM) initiative thereby aligns with EU and Erasmus+ priorities on biodiversity, climate adaptation and education.