LIFE IP PAF INTEMARES

LIFE IP PAF INTEMARES “Integrated, innovative and participatory management of the Natura 2000 network in the Spanish marine environment” is the largest marine conservation project in Europe. It is the first initiative in Spain that combines different European funds for the management of an entire network of protected areas at sea.
Its main objective is to achieve a consolidated network of marine areas in the Natura 2000 network managed in an effective and integrated way, with the active participation of the sectors involved and knowledge as basic tools for decision-making.
This will all be carried out in accordance with the Prioritised Action Framework for the Natura 2000 network in Spain, the document that defines the priorities and conservation actions necessary for the network in the period 2014-2020 and the sources of funding. It also draws on the knowledge, experience and results obtained from the LIFE+ INDEMARES project.
LIFE IP INTEMARES promotes innovative approaches to the marine Natura 2000 network so that these will become benchmark areas, with the involvement of the socio-economic sectors and users of the sea in the management of these areas.
For this purpose, key institutions in the field of management, research and conservation of the marine environment have come together for its implementation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment coordinates the project LIFE IP INTEMARES through the Biodiversity Foundation and also acts as a partner in the project through the Directorate General for Sustainability of the Coast and the Sea. Also participating as partners are the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, the most important public body in the field of marine research; WWF-Spain and SEO/BirdLife, two major conservation organisations with extensive experience in conservation; and the Spanish Fisheries Confederation.
The next eight years will see the launching of around 50 actions related to: research; monitoring and surveillance; conservation; governance and participation; and communication, awareness raising and environmental education.
The project, which will run until 31 December 2024, has a budget of 49.8 million euros. It has financial support from the European Union LIFE Programme, the European Social Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, as well as other sources of funding.
The LIFE IP INTEMARES project addresses all the European and national policies on the marine environment as a whole. With this initiative, Spain will be able to comply with the international commitment to protecting more than 10% of its marine area.