The COGITO project contributes to the elaboration of MPAs’ management plans or the spatial planning of natural coastal and island areas. 

The COGITO project aims to consolidate the pilot initiatives of the previous project and support new pilot sites in the co-management of coastal, island and marine territories in 6 countries, and promote local economic development and sustainable financing mechanisms. The purpose is to set up concerted and integrated dynamics in the several pilot sites, to support the evolution of fishing and tourism activities towards sustainable and innovative practices, to support local initiatives, to establish financial mechanisms and diversify sources of financing for sites management and finally to consolidate MedPAN’s call for small projects in support of local initiatives.

In addition, the project contributes to the capacity-building of institutions, site managers and their partners (NGOs, private operators, especially fishermen and tourism, scientists, other institutions). The project will focus on strengthening skills both in situ and at the regional level.

COGITO aims to develop and enhance scientific knowledge to inform management policies. The project will thus support dialogues between researchers and site managers, consolidate and build regional monitoring networks for species, habitats or socio-economic activities and capitalize on knowledge for advocacy, training and management.