The multi- and trans-disciplinary proposals should design, scientifically guide and develop nature-based coastal socio-economic models, businesses and marine spatial planning, based on the limits and potential of coastal ecosystem services. These scientific activities should aim to avoid traditional conflicts between human-based activities, reduce urban pressures, protect and restore coastal ecosystems, and support critical ecosystem services in order to ensure good environmental or ecological status, social cohesion and resilience. The proposals should stimulate and benefit from increased nature connectedness of coastal communities; cultural heritage including traditional skills, nature-based social and frugal innovation, active engagement and employments of knowledgeable regional/local ambassadors for natural habitat restoration and transformation, ocean literacy training towards and within companies, digital transformation and collaborative (e)governance improvements. Activities could usefully include innovative business models integrating land-based and sea-based production or service provision with simultaneous benefit for the local economy, local jobs and the environment.

The proposals should cover a representative set of coastal areas or regions across Europe varying according to size and geographical, environmental, socio-economic, institutional and administrative conditions (regional, inter-regional, macro-region, cross-border). Interactive research approaches should be used to engage with relevant stakeholders, local businesses and citizens and elaborate options for cooperation, networking and integrated governance seeking to enhance partnership. Proposals could seek to create long-lasting relationships within and between the case study areas benchmarked by the project in order to generate knowledge exchange to foster synergistic relationships in different coastal areas of Europe.

Proposals must involve coastal actors and other land and sea-based businesses, and economic and local development bodies to implement the required multi-actor approach. Engaging with managing authorities of the European Structural and Investment Funds during the project would help increase implementation of the project outcomes and support further uptake.