The Venice Platform Process

The Venice Platform was initiated as a follow up of the encora Coordination Action, to overcome existing fragmentation of coastal expertise and better exploit scientific knowledge.

The initiative to build a European Coastal Marine and Maritime Platform has been formally launched during the Conference littoral 2008 (Venice 25-28 November 2008) through the signature of the venice platform declaration.

Since its inceptions, the Venice Platform is exploring the feasibility of developing into an all-embracing Maritime Platform that brings together networking organizations representing coastal and marine science, policy and practice communities.

During the Maritime Day in Rome on 20 May 2009, the idea of an all embracing stakeholders Platform has been further discussed and supported by the European Commission - DG Mare. In Rome it was agreed to set up a "Coordinating Group", based on five pillars: science, industry, environmental NGOs, regions and users of the sea. This small committee is composed of 10 people, authoritative in their respective fields, and is characterized by a very flexible structure.

The so-called "Group of Ten" will act as coordinating group for the establishment of a broader Maritime Stakeholder Forum representing science and societal interests, to become a primary interlocutor towards the European Commission - DG MARE.

The Venice Platform is now a self organizing processes serving the interest of the coastal, marine and maritime community. Its aim is to improve sharing of knowledge and experience within Europe and to provide a forum of dialogue on relevant themes of the EU marine and maritime policies.

Presently, a complex mechanism of relationships is growing:

• The EU funded Support Action MARCOM+ is the link by which the Venice Platform members can advise the EU Maritime Science Policy
  
  
• The Marine Strategy Coordination Group is the link by which the Venice Platform members can contribute to the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive
  
  
• The Stakeholders Forum will be the place for confrontation on the EU Maritime Policy.