Italo-Maltese harmonization for a good state of the environment: seafloor integrity and interaction with invasive species to preserve the functioning of marine ecosystems
HARMONY aims at  harmonising a set of monitoring and control measures between the two cross-border countries, Italy and Malta, in order to share and integrated framework of knowledge and coordinated intervention strategies on:_x000D_
1) the integrity of marine seafloor and the inhabiting species, _x000D_
2) the effects of habitat fragmentation in facilitating the diffusion of Non-Indigenous Species (NIS)._x000D_
 _x000D_
By integrating these two aspects, HARMONY will reach a better understanding of marine ecosystem functioning in a cross-border context thus resulting:_x000D_
a) integrated interventions and measures of monitoring with the aim to suggest management plans of Natura 2000 sites and habitats. _x000D_
b) set of outputs which will be promoted by HARMONY are integrated to produce a common strategy and develop common EDRR tools (Early Detection & Rapid Response), develop innovative high resolution data recording sensors, or monitoring networks based on participatory processes (e.g. citizen science) that will allow to: _x000D_
- activate control measures to reduce the likelihood of alteration due to the alien species spread and the seafloor integrity at sites of high ecological (biodiversity) and socio-economic value (Nature 2000 sites), _x000D_
- align policy actions between the two countries, _x000D_
- foster the effectiveness of generated management strategies and lastly ,_x000D_
- create a common permanent governance structure of Italo-Maltese cross-border EDRR.