AMBER - Assessment and Modelling Baltic Ecosystem Response
The general aim of AMBER is the implementation and application of the Ecosystem Approach to Management (EAM) to the Baltic Sea with a focus on the coastal ecosystem (CE). The first step of AMBER is the separation of climate from anthropogenic signals in the CE by means of a combinatorial variation in model´s boundary conditions using the output of existing regional climate change scenarios and the output of a watershed model simulating changes in land use.
The second step of AMBER is the application of models for future projections. To reduce the problem of model uncertainties, the ensemble method will be applied. The resulting projections are milestones for the development of EAM tools.
To implement the EAM concept successfully requires the best available scientific information as a basis for integrated management. Therefore, retrospective analyzes on longterm data sets, intensive modeling with different types of models and selected measurements of biogeochemical transformation processes in the near coastal area and the groundwater will be applied and integrated into a sound scientific basis for supporting the development of EAM tools such as risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and Ecological Quality Objectives.
Finally, cost effective indicators will be developed to improve monitoring strategies and to guide management decision making. EAM with its tools will be the core of science based advice for integrated management.
AMBER goals in short:
• Implementation and application of the Ecosystem Approach to Management (EAM) to the Baltic Sea in the face of eutrophication and climate change
• Focus is the coastal ecosystem in a holistic view
•Separation of climate from anthropogenic signals
•Combination of different climate change scenarios with land use/life style change scenarios
•Science based advise for integrated management
For more information, please visit the AMBER official home page
A new brochure (published October 2011) about the AMBER project and its main findings can be downloaded here
(pdf, 2 MB).
