Aim and objectives Expected results Work packages WP 1 Building a framework of arguments for the value of biodiversity WP 2 Case studies on the effectiveness of arguments WP 3 The interaction between governance scales WP 4 Relationship between biodiversity, ecosystem services and values WP 5 Synthesis: Arguments for improved biodiversity policy-making and governance WP 6 Dissemination, communication and science-policy dialogue WP 7 Management of the consortium Methodology Partners Project timetable Project organisation

WP 7 Management of the consortium

Coordinator: Rob Bugter (Alterra)

 

Objectives

The overall aim of WP 7 is to:

• coordinate the scientific work of the project;
• provide a link between the research team and the European Commission;
• coordinate the project scientific reporting activities;
• coordinate the project financial reporting activities and obtain audit certificates from partners.

Description of work

Task 7.1: Project management

The project will be coordinated by a researcher with extensive experience in project management and implementation. The Coordinator and Project Steering Committee have overall responsibility for the project, measurable against the management deliverables defined below. Management of the different components of the project is managed through Work Package Committees consisting of a representative from each partner performing work under that WP. Each Work Package Committee will be responsible for its own organisational arrangements, work procedures and time schedule. The WP Leaders are responsible for managing the activities of the project partners within that particular WP and ensuring that assigned scientific tasks are effectively controlled and that progress is monitored against the WP deliverables and milestones. The Project Steering Committee will collect all reports and other information generated within the WPs from the relevant WP leaders and, along with the Project Coordinator, ensures that partners fulfil their legal and contractual obligations towards the Commission and the other project partners. The General Assembly, consisting of all partners, will approve all budget-related matters, the acceptance of new project partners as well as the exclusion of project partners, the restructuring of WPs, and the premature completion or termination of the Project. In all other cases, the Project Steering Committee has the authority to make decisions for the proper administration of the Project.

 

Task 7.2: Reporting

Two periodic scientific reports will be prepared for internal reporting and reviewing and for the EC. At the end of the Project, a final report will be prepared and submitted to the EC. An additional e-mail based 6-monthly brief reporting system will also be implemented to ensure that time and work schedules are maintained. The coordinator will ensure timely collection and preparation of these progress reports and financial statements, including audit certificates, from the project partners for transmission to the Commission. He will also ensure prompt delivery of all hardware, software and data identified as deliverable items in the Contract or requested by the Commission for reviews and audits. The coordinator will attend relevant EU meetings.

 

Task 7.3: Communication within the consortium

The Coordinator will be responsible for the communication flow between all project partners. A system will be developed for the exchange of information, such as datasets, results, coordination decisions, minutes of meetings, reports and other relevant information. This will primarily use e-mail and the internet. An internal webpage (only accessible for project members) will be installed and regularly updated by the Coordinator and an internet platform (FTP site) will be developed to manage, distribute and maintain databases as necessary.