Developing mechanisms to support the planning and execution of administrative tasks and the branding and online visibility of the Regional Coordination Groups (RCGs) with the aim to establish a long-term supportive structure (RCG’s Secretariat).
Context
The Regional Coordination Groups (RCGs) are the main hub for regional coordination and cooperation within the different regions contributing to the Fisheries Data Collection Framework (DCF). In accordance to the European Council regulation (EU) 2017/1004, the RCGs should aim at developing and implementing procedures, methods, quality assurance and quality control for collecting and processing data with a view to enabling the reliability of scientific advice to be further improved.
The RCGs may further prepare regional work-plans, complementing or replacing the national work-plans that Member States (MS) submit to the European Commission (EC) on a regular basis.
The RCG have further a key role to interact with endusers of scientific data and, after end-user consultation, to coordinate and agree on details in data to be collected and managed on the regional level according to (Decisions (EU) 2019/910 ad 2019/909).
Overview
Building on the achievements of previous initiatives such as fishPi2, STREAM, and SECFISH, the precursor project focuses on strengthening the organisational and communication infrastructure supporting the RCGs. Key objectives include establishing a permanent secretariat framework to streamline administrative processes and reduce the operational burden on RCG chairs, as well as developing a secure website for confidential document management and enhanced coordination.
The project promotes good communication practices within and between RCGs, fostering stakeholder engagement and increasing the visibility of RCG outputs. It also addresses the critical need for sustainable funding models to support long-term secretariat operations and digital services.
Extensive consultation with RCG members, national correspondents, and Member States underpins the project’s design, with a dedicated dissemination and communication plan to ensure transparent information flow and active stakeholder involvement throughout the implementation.
Specific objectives
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Establish a secretariat framework to streamline RCGs’ administrative processes and ensure sustainable long-term operation with appropriate financial planning
- Foster effective communication practices within and between RCGs, actively involving all stakeholders and the public.
- Develop a dedicated website integrated with existing platforms to enhance outreach and accessibility of RCGs’ work and results.
- Identify and implement tools to boost the visibility and impact of RCGs’ activities and outputs.
Workplan Structure
As a case study, a secretariat will be set up within this project with the aim to learn from a real case how a permanent administrative support structure can contribute to facilitate the work of the RCGs and to make it more visible for all the stakeholders.
To improve the overall outreach and to reach a wider audience for past and future RCG work and their outcomes, by having a long term website dedicated to the RCGs.
To have a business plan for the longterm strategy and a short-term operational plan for the RCG’s support structure (for 3 years beyond the SECWEB).
To promote visibility and engagement towards the RCGs and ISSGs participants and all the other stakeholders through the implementation of a coordinated Dissemination and Communication Plan.
Contribution to EMFAF
- CR13 - Cooperation activities between stakeholders
- CR22 - Usage of data and info platforms
Expected results
- Dedicated Secretariat support for efficient resource use by RCG Chairs
- Responsive and integrated website with secure document repository
- Visual identity established for RCGs and PGECON
- Centralized stakeholders database created
- Internal communication protocol implemented
- Sustainable business model for Secretariat and website ensured
- Dissemination and communication plan linked to Regional Work Plans developed
Partners
Eigen Vermogen van het Instituut voor Landbouw- en visserijonderzoek (BELGIUM)
Centro Tecnológico del Mar, Fundación CETMAR (SPAIN)
Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture (BULGARIA)
Funding & Duration
Budget: 245.252€. Max. EMFAF grant: 193.152€
Grant Agreement No.MARE/2020/08 SI2.839854 – SECWEB