German-Brazil Co-Operation in Marine Sciences 2006-2009

The overall objective of the proposed project is to develop strategies for sustainable environmental management in and around different Brazilian seaports. This project aims to address, around the harbour issues, the topics: coastal zone management, pollution and living resources.

The project encompasses issues of harbour management related to the water body with the aim to guarantee adequate harbour operation, the identification of possible environmental damages. Attention will be given to the management of siltation and dredging, environmental impacts and risks resulting from harbour operation and dredging activities including water and sediment quality and the vulnerability of the aquatic ecosystem, set-up of technological tools and enhancement of information systems.

The work will be carried out with innovative transdisciplinary approaches, based on state-of-the-art scientific practices and transferring the knowledge to society. To achieve the goals of the project a combination of numerical modelling, field measurements, remote sensing, IT-strategies and socio-economic approaches will be applied. It will be organised through a network of German and Brazilian universities, research institutions and governmental agencies, involving private companies on both sides. The project builds up on previous studies and integrates the experiences of the participants, in particular of the Center for Marine Studies of the Federal University of Paraná and the University of Rio Grande, in advising and supporting harbour authorities in Brazil.

Information from the funding agency