NATIONAL NODE -
Spain
Photo credit: Photo by Daniel Boberg on Unsplash
ECOP Spain is the Spanish network for the
Global ECOP Programme, endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade
Introducing ECOP Spain
The marine science community in Spain is currently fragmented and specialized, lacking a centralized structure to unite individuals from various backgrounds and sectors. Despite the interest of young people in ocean conservation, there is a need for an inclusive and transdisciplinary approach. To address this, the establishment of a network of ECOPs (Early Career Ocean Professionals) in Spain is crucial. This network would serve as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among scientists, the private-public sector, and civil society. By bringing together individuals from different sectors to work towards a common goal, we can make significant progress in ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the oceans.
Who is an ECOP in Spain?
All Spanish citizens or residents in Spain who self-identify as being early in their career (10 years or less of professional experience) within any occupation related to the ocean (not only employed/paid positions).
Why empower ECOPs in Spain now?
Spain has a very close relationship with the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and there are several initiatives to seize:
- Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona in 2024.
- Promotion of the Blue Economy at national and international level.
- European Commission Horizon EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters.
- Innovations all over the world focusing on startups developing solutions for the ocean and climate change.
Vision and Mission
The goal is to create a community of practice which is a network of ECOPs who take part in collective learning where each individual shares their knowledge with others in the group:
- Create meaningful networking.
- Engage with different partners at national level and public and private level.
- Enhance talent (both learning and career) opportunities.
- Organize workshops, courses and talks.
- Promote innovation in the marine and ocean field.
- Reach policy-makers to have our needs listened to, and become involved in the policy making process.
Take part in the survey for ECOP Spain
ECOP Spain has just released a survey aiming to reach a larger number of ocean professionals across Spain and the Mediterranean, and further our understanding of the diverse needs and priorities of ECOPs in the region. This will be critical as we strive to co-design meaningful capacity-building approaches for ECOPs, co-deliver professional development opportunities and build a stronger sense of community belonging.
We would highly appreciate your participation in this survey, which should take between 5-10 minutes to complete. Responses given to this survey will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. We will make sure to report results, insights and impacts back to you!
It is available in English and Spanish.
Join the ECOP Spain community and get involved!
Send your expression of interest or simply contact: spain@ecopdecade.org
Meet the ECOP Spain coordination unit
Inés Mas de la Peña
Inés is a driven professional working at the intersection of entrepreneurship and ocean innovation. With a Master’s in Climate Change from the University of Copenhagen, she is currently Program Manager on adaptation, resilience and blue economy projects at Climate KIC, focusing on entrepreneurship across East Africa.
Sara Mohamed Santamaría
A marine scientist with experience in trophic ecology, sustainable fisheries, and ocean outreach. Marine Sciences graduate currently working at the Spanish Oceanographic Institute (IEO-CSIC) in Málaga, contributing to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive through the study of trophic networks and the evaluation of Good Environmental Status (GES) within marine ecosystems.
Lucía Millán Agudo
Lucía is an ECOP who works at the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC) where she is involved in several projects regarding benthic habitats and their responses to climate change. She has experience in nature management, Marine Protected Areas, climate change adaptation and the intersection between science and policy-making. She has a MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Restoration from the University of Antwerp.
Xabier López-Alforja
An ECOP and researcher currently pursuing a PhD in Marine Microbiology at the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC) in Barcelona. With a background in marine sciences, master graduate both in marine ecology, and bioinformatics and biostatistics, he studies microbial communities to understand their role in marine ecosystems and climate change. Actively involved in collaboration and outreach, with a strong commitment to inclusion, promoting open science, and connecting research with policy. He is also an active member and reference person of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) group at the ICM-CSIC.
Sandra Ramirez-Calero
Marine Biologist with expertise in reef-associated ecosystems, climate change, and conservation. Currently finishing a PhD at the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC) in Barcelona, where she is actively involved in research projects investigating the impacts of extreme climatic events on the ecology and resilience of key benthic ecosystems, such as the coralligenous. Her work integrates high-throughput data analysis and focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying octocoral species’ adaptation to climate change.