The aim of BurVal is to deliver knowledge and understanding of the structural and hydrological properties of deeper groundwater resources found in buried valleys. This should lead to the development of spatial planning strategies that take these ancient groundwater reservoirs into account. 6 pilot projects will be carried out in the participating areas where groundwater quality and quantity will be evaluated. The results will be used as input for the development of geophysical methods and a model for exploration and examination of groundwater resources. These should become useful for instance when evaluating different spatial development scenarios. On the basis of the improved understanding gained through the project, will action plans and recommendations be developed. A 'technical handbook' as well as a 'planning handbook' will be direct project outputs targeting experts on the one hand and decision makers, spatial planners, waterworks and public authorities on the other.

The main aim of the project is to facilitate cooperation, exchange of experience and mutual assistance between NS regions in the event of coastal flooding. For that purpose the partners will look at the whole chain of safety, which includes the following links: proaction-prevention-preparation-response-aftercare. A contingency plan for the NSR will be developed based on a common approach and an inventory will be carried out regarding the equipment, resources and knowledge needed. Within the Dutch-Belgian coastline a pilot will be carried out on how to deal with the developed NSR contingency plan.

The main aim of the project is to initiate a process on defining and developing sustainable tourism destinations and to help regions overcome current social, economic and environmental constraints through the exploration and adoption of relevant policies and good practice. For this purpose the partners will carry out research into interpreting the concept of Sustainable Tourism Destination in their relevant contexts, compile information on issues to face in the process of becoming a sustainable tourism destination, undertake surveys and define good practices that could be applicable on a partner level. Recommendations to various levels of authorities will be devised. The project will be also supported by an ambitious media campaign, which will draw attention to the issues accompanying the process.

A number of global trends, e.g. climate change, air pollution, declining oil and gas reserves, combined with increasing oil prices point to the need for a shift towards sustainable energy supply, producing renewable energy and using it in an efficient way. In the ERE project, sustainable energy has been identified as renewable energy and energy efficiency. The main aim of the project is to strengthen (energise) the competitiveness of the NS regions by focusing on sustainable energy and the large potentials presented for innovation, a process where the regions have a strategic role to play.

Making Waste Work aims to minimise the volume of waste produced, manage it in a more sustainable way and improve public awareness of waste issues. The project will focus on three separate themes and implement pilot projects within these themes: Waste management schemes, Employment and business opportunities and Public motivation and awareness. A Best Practice Guide on waste management practices and methods will be developed jointly, as well as a pilot model of a Waste Education Resource Centre.

In many countries of the North Sea Region the notion that water shortage and drought will, in the future, pose an increasingly pressing problem, gains more and more on importance. Growing population, intensification of land use and changes in global climate will contribute to the problem that can hamper the Region?s development. The common challenge is therefore to develop long-term strategies to optimise the use of fresh water resources.

The project looks at practical ways of implementing the Water Framework Directive (WFD) both locally and regionally through pilot projects in five countries. Examples of best practice for improving physico-chemical and ecological water quality will be a particular focus.

The aim of the project is to improve water quality through separation of rainwater from sewage water, and in that way reduce storm water runoff in the sewer system. Sustainable techniques, such as no-dig techniques and source control measures for rainwater disconnection will be used.

POWER aims to boost the development of off-shore wind energy in the participating coastal regions. It will focus on improved planning, participation and decision-making processes regarding offshore wind farms; supporting the establishment of off-shore wind energy industries and positioning the North Sea Region as a global hot spot for off-shore wind energy; and providing education and training courses to fulfil the need of the off-shore wind energy sector for specialist knowledge and a skilled workforce.

The project aims to increase the share of biomass in local energy production. The main focus is therefore on informing and raising awareness about the potential of bio-energy. Local networks will be established involving a wide range of relevant actors and linked up in a North Sea region wide network. The regional focal points will carry out two joint marketing campaigns. To reach out to possible producers and consumers as efficiently as possible will RES (renewable energy sources) implementers be recruited among SMEs and farmers. They will receive training and their activities will be coordinated trans-nationally. Some partners will also identify sites for new small-scale district heating plans and prepare plans for their implementation. An important transnational feature of the project is the development of a virtual market place for bio-energy trade. A first version will be launched by the end of the project.

The main objective of the project is to improve knowledge, research and information about maritime litter in the North Sea aiming to change attitudes and behaviour of key groups using the North Sea and its coasts. Activities include networking, promotion, education and research.

Nowadays, many river basins within the North Sea Region face lots of problems that affect the natural processes of the areas. Among these problems the most significant are declining bio-diversity and loss of historic landscape character, which result from previous inappropriate water management policies and flood plain development as well as from increasing demands of agriculture. The aim of the SPARC project is to promote an integrated management of river corridors in the North Sea Region. Such common approach is needed for appropriate regeneration and reconstruction of the river basins as well as for the enhancement of their natural, cultural and historic environment.

The project aims at the realisation of an ecological water corridor network linking Natura 2000 and other wildlife sites. The project includes the direct implementation/creation of some corridors as well as work on further implementation plans. A training course will also be held. The enhanced watercourses should increase biodiversity and provide a basis for improvements in other fields such as tourism development.

The partnership wants to achieve consensus about the sustainable management of fish stocks in the North Sea area through improved co-operation of fishers, researchers and other vital actors such as fishery managers, conservation groups, and fish processors and merchants.

The project combines research and pilot projects to improve groundwater quality and integrate groundwater protection into spatial planning. Pilot projects will include work with wetlands, nitrates and pollutants while a wide range of additional activities will ensure the effective dissemination of the lessons learnt.

The overarching aim of the project is to provide relevant authorities with a framework for assessing the cost effectiveness and sustainability of measures for the management of groundwater quality in the context of river basin management plans. In this project, which also has direct links to the implementation of Water Framework and Groundwater Directives, groundwater protection measures (identified under the Water4all project) are combined with cost-effectiveness calculations in order to come up with a common assessment methodology.

The project aims to examine the potential of water management practices for socio-economic development along water corridors, which provide link from source to the sea. This is to be achieved by examining the practices of five already approved projects, namely MOPARK, NoLimp, TEN3, PURE and WCI II. In this way it is hoped contribute to the development of future proposals for the new period that would also meet the targets laid down in the Lisbon and Gothenburg agendas and a number of EU directives in terms of employment opportunities, investments needed for the implementation of these directives, ICZM and water related issues.

A Wadden Sea Forum will be established to develop scenarios for sustainable development and strategies for their implementation. These strategies include policies for resource use, regulation of activities in the coastal zone, promotion of sustainable regional development, recommendations for the joint implementation of EU legislation and the identification of projects to implement sustainable development into spatial planning. Stakeholders include national, regional and local authorities, different interest groups and advisory boards and experts.