From 14-15 May the Danish city of Aalborg hosted the spring meeting of KIMO’s International Board. The International Board usually gathers two times annually and this time the discussion focused on the strategic development of the organisation for the months and years ahead. Because this was the first time the International Board has met since the move of the International Secretariat to Aalborg in January the meeting was also an excellent occasion to visit the new International Secretariat and learn more about Aalborg municipality’s wider efforts to preserve and protect the marine environment.
Because the relocation of the Secretariat to Aalborg presents an opportunity to review the strategic direction of KIMO, the discussion centred around priorities and actions needed to strengthen and ensure the sustainability of KIMO. Members of the International Board were pleased to learn of the progress being made and provided many useful inputs for the International Secretariat to consider in preparation for the Annual General Meeting 8-10 October in Inverness, Scotland.
To facilitate knowledge sharing between members, Aalborg municipality also invited participants on a field trip showcasing three marine projects being conducted in the municipality:
- ”Liv i Limfjorden – fri for spøgelsesnet” (“Life in the Limfjord – free from ghost nets”)
The project has established an effective way to involve the community in locating and removing ghost nets from the Limfjord. To prevent new fishing gear being abandoned the project also focuses on behaviour change.
Co-funded by, among other, the European Union, and involving a multiple municipalities and stakeholders, this large-scale project is set out to counteract climate impacts on coastal landscapes by restoring coastal habitat zones. As an example, this work includes re-establishment or restoration of salt meadows.
The aim of the project is to improve the environmental condition and biodiversity in the Limfjord by reestablishing stone reefs. The project is unique because it has found an effective way to engage citizens as all stones are recycled. Members of the International Board contributed to the project by adding their own stones to the reef – a fitting way for the International Board to make their mark.
As part of the study tour KIMO Denmark also delivered an insightful presentation on the marine litter monitoring work conducted at reference beaches in Denmark on behalf of OSPAR. The findings from this excellent work highlights the importance of KIMO’s work to enhance, protect and preserve the sea.
Onward for healthier seas!