SETU works collaboratively with KIMO International to protect the marine environment
South East Technological University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KIMO International at Ferrycarrig in Wexford.
Founded in Denmark in 1990, KIMO (‘Kommunernes International Miljøorganisation’ or ‘Local Authorities International Environmental Organisation’), is a network of local governments with over 75 member municipalities across nine countries. The organization strives to promote healthy seas, clean beaches, and thriving coastal communities. SETU and KIMO have come together to collaboratively address the challenges faced by our marine environment. Together, they will develop research initiatives to increase knowledge of the effects of environmental stresses and use educational programmes to increase awareness and understanding, and to explore measures to mitigate harmful effects.
Speaking about the collaboration, Captain Phil Murphy, SETU’s Project Manager in Offshore Wind, said “At SETU, we are delighted to partner with KIMO to provide research and academic support across the network of European Coastal Municipalities. We very much look forward to collaborating on a wide range of marine environmental issues.”
“Our oceans regulate climate, absorb carbon, and support biodiversity, food security, and livelihoods, while coastal ecosystems protect shorelines and communities. Marine environments face growing threats including PFAS, plastic, and microfiber pollution, lost shipping containers and ocean acidification, all of which endanger ecosystems, coastal communities and the long-term health of our seas,” Capt. Murphy outlined. “SETU’s partnership with KIMO enables us to bring together academic experts on the marine environment in support of our colleagues in Ireland and globally to improve the environmental quality of our oceans and coastal waters,” he concluded.
Preben Friis-Hauge, President of KIMO International, said: “KIMO is delighted to formalise this partnership with South East Technological University. Our member municipalities are on the front line of marine environmental challenges, and this collaboration will strengthen the vital link between local action and academic expertise. As part of KIMO’s new strategy, contributing to knowledge and evidence-generation on the causes and impacts of marine pollution is a key priority. This Memorandum of Understanding represents an important first step in mobilising shared research, education and advocacy to achieve healthier seas and more resilient coastal communities across Europe.”
