Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO

Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Programme, Grant Agreement No. 101082021 (MARCO-BOLO). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. UK participants in MARCO-BOLO are supported by the UKRI’s Horizon Europe Guarantee under the Grant No. 10068180 (MS); No. 10063994 (MBA); No. 10048178 (NOC). Deliverable 7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO Version 1.0 M12 - November 2023 Mathilde Vidal, Avril Hanbidge and Marieke Reuver ERINN Innovation (ERINN) PUBLIC Ref. Ares(2023)8175628 - 30/11/2023 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 2 Document Information Grant Agreement 101082021 Project Acronym MARCO-BOLO Project Title MARine COastal BiOdiversity Long-term Observations Deliverable Number D7.5 Work Package Number WP7 Deliverable Title Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO Lead Beneficiary ERINN Innovation (21 - ERINN) Author(s) Mathilde Vidal, Avril Hanbidge, Marieke Reuver (ERINN) Due Date 30.11.2023 (M12) Submission Date 29.11.2023 (M12) Dissemination Level PU1 Type of Deliverable R2 Version 1.0 M12 - November 2023 Mathilde Vidal, Avril Hanbidge, Marieke Reuver (ERINN) 1 Dissemination level: PU: Public4 2 Type of deliverable: R: Document, Report D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 3 Executive Summary Objective The objective of Deliverable 7.5 (Portfolio of Tools and Activities to promote MARCO-BOLO) is to facilitate MARCO-BOLO’s communication, dissemination, and outreach activities by developing a range of tools and resources to promote and raise awareness of the project and its results amongst stakeholders over the full course of the project. Rationale The MARCO-BOLO portfolio of communication, dissemination, and outreach resources will support partners to promote the project, its objectives, and results to a variety of audiences and possible endusers consistently and efficiently. This deliverable report presents a detailed overview of the communication, dissemination, and outreach resources that have been developed since the start of the project up until M12 (November 2023), and it also gives an overview of the future elements of the portfolio. All resources scheduled to be developed by M12 (project logo, brand guidelines, project website, social media, promotional factsheet, pull-up banner, promotional poster, promotional video, and different communication templates) have been achieved before this due date. The team(s) involved in deliverable writing: ERINN Innovation (ERINN) D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 4 Contents Document Information ........................................................................................................................... 2 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 3 Objective: ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Rationale: ............................................................................................................................................ 3 The team(s) involved in deliverable writing: ...................................................................................... 3 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 6 2. Project logo ..................................................................................................................................... 7 3. Brand Guidelines ............................................................................................................................. 8 4. Promotional Factsheet .................................................................................................................... 8 5. Communication Templates ............................................................................................................. 9 5.1 PowerPoint Presentation Template .............................................................................................. 9 5.2 Poster Presentation Template ...................................................................................................... 9 5.3 Deliverable/Report Template ....................................................................................................... 9 6. Promotional Poster ......................................................................................................................... 9 7. Pull-up Banner ................................................................................................................................. 9 8. Slide-Deck Presentation of the Project ......................................................................................... 10 9. Project Videos ............................................................................................................................... 10 10. Project Explainer Infographic .................................................................................................... 10 11. Website ..................................................................................................................................... 10 12. Social Media .............................................................................................................................. 15 13. Press Releases ........................................................................................................................... 16 14. Collaboration With Other Projects and Initiatives .................................................................... 17 Appendix ............................................................................................................................................... 20 Appendix 1. Brand Guidelines ........................................................................................................... 20 Appendix 2. Promotional Factsheet .................................................................................................. 38 Appendix 3. PowerPoint Presentation Template ............................................................................. 40 Appendix 4. Poster Presentation Template ...................................................................................... 41 Appendix 5. Deliverable/Report Template ...................................................................................... 42 Appendix 6. Promotional Poster ....................................................................................................... 43 Appendix 7. Pull-up Banner .............................................................................................................. 44 Appendix 8. Slide-Deck Presentation ................................................................................................ 45 Appendix 9. Project Video (screenshots) .......................................................................................... 50 Appendix 10. Project Explainer Infographic ...................................................................................... 54 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 5 Appendix 11. Press Release .............................................................................................................. 55 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 6 1. Introduction The MARCO-BOLO portfolio of communication, dissemination and outreach resources aims to facilitate the communication and dissemination of the project, its objectives, results, and findings to various stakeholders and possible end-users. It is intended to help partners communicate about the project and its results consistently and efficiently. Developing the MARCO-BOLO communication, dissemination and outreach tools and resources began with designing a strong project brand which is an important element of the project, as its visual presentation highly influences the recognition and perception of a brand. A brand’s visual identity is something that people instantly recognise and associate with the project any time they see it and is subsequently important for project awareness. Effective visual brand identity is achieved by consistently using visual elements to create distinction, such as specific graphic elements, fonts, and colours. During the first twelve months of the project, the following resources were developed: • Project logo and accompanying brand guidelines; • Promotional project factsheet; • Different templates for a variety of presentation formats (oral presentation, poster presentation and reports); • Promotional posters; • Pull-up banner; • Slide-deck presentation of the project; • Introductory video of the project; • General infographic; • Project website; • Social media (Twitter - recently renamed to X - and LinkedIn); • Press release promoting the project’s kick-off. Upon request from partners, promotional materials can be tailored to suit specific events. Future resources will include interview-based videos, infographics, additional press releases and promotional articles, outreach campaigns to raise citizens' awareness, to be aligned with other events (partners' Open Days, local Science Outreach events, European Researchers’ Night) and other supplementary resources as required to promote project events and activities. All materials and tools will be maintained and updated, as necessary (website and social media continuously), and further resources will be developed throughout the project in line with the project’s Description of Action (DoA) as well as in response to project results and partner and stakeholder requirements. Communication, dissemination, and outreach activities through the use of these resources is an ongoing action of the project, which started in M1 – November 2022, and will be continued throughout the project. D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 7 2. Project logo The project logo is an integral part of the brand, as it is included in all the project’s promotional material, both print and online. The final logo was selected through a consortium vote, as decided by the project coordinator, in the kick-off meeting in March 2023, in Paris. The logo with the majority of votes was selected as the final version. The logo contains elements that are related to the values and goals of MARCO-BOLO (Figure 1). It represents a framework for biodiversity data and data access. The fish, the shrimp and the coral in the radiating circles represent marine biodiversity. The DNA strand and the satellite in the other two radiating circles represent biodiversity data monitoring methods. The need for increased connectivity and a framework for biodiversity data and access is represented by the blue lines connecting all of the circles. The wave at the centre of the logo represents the importance of our oceans and waters. The one-colour version logos are intended for applications that are restricted in colour, such as fax, memo etc., or any other time it is not possible to use colour printing techniques (Figure 2a; 2b). The full logo suite is available on the MARCO-BOLO Google Drive, website or can be requested from ERINN (contact: [email protected]). Guidance on the use of the MARCO-BOLO logo can be found in the Brand Guidelines (see Section 3 below). Figure 1. MARCO-BOLO logo in colour. Figure 2a. MARCO-BOLO logo in one colour – black. D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 8 Figure 2b. MARCO-BOLO logo in one colour – white. 3. Brand Guidelines The MARCO-BOLO Brand Guidelines (Appendix 1) offer how all MARCO-BOLO partners can achieve the prescribed standards of presentation. The document includes information on the different versions of the project logo (typeface, colour palette, and their correct use), guidelines for using the PowerPoint and Poster presentation templates, and details on the correct EU and UKRI acknowledgement that must be included with all communication and dissemination activities related to the project. The brand guidelines are available on the MARCO-BOLO Google Drive and website. 4. Promotional Factsheet A promotional factsheet (Appendix 2) was designed to give the general audience an overview of the MARCO-BOLO project. Note that this is the first promotional factsheet which will be updated as necessary as the project progresses. The factsheet describes the challenge, its main objectives, and expected results and includes each partner’s logo. The factsheet is a full-colour double-sided A4 leaflet and is ready for all partners to print (where relevant) and use when engaging with various audiences. The factsheet is used to raise general awareness of the project. Partners are encouraged to distribute the factsheet through their networks and at relevant events to promote the project. External stakeholders and interested parties can download the factsheet from the MARCO-BOLO website. Partners can also download the PDF and print version of the factsheet from the MARCO-BOLO shared Google Drive or request it from ERINN ([email protected]). Partners can request the factsheet in another language by contacting ERINN and following the protocol outlined in the MARCO-BOLO PDEC (Plan for the Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication Activities, D7.4, section 6.1.3). D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 9 5. Communication Templates 5.1 PowerPoint Presentation Template A MARCO-BOLO PowerPoint Presentation Template has been developed for use at internal and external events when presenting the MARCO-BOLO project and/or its outcomes (Appendix 3). The template includes one cover slide to include the title of the presentation and the presenting partner’s contacts, a main body slide, and a closing “Thank you” slide containing relevant contact details. The general template includes the required acknowledgements from all funding sources (EU and UK. This template can be updated if needed throughout the project please contact ERINN ([email protected]). Partners can download this template from the MARCO-BOLO website and from the MARCO-BOLO shared Google Drive. 5.2 Poster Presentation Template A Poster Presentation Template has been designed and developed for MARCO-BOLO poster presentations (Appendix 4). The poster is designed for printing on A0 paper in full colour. The poster template is available to download from the MARCO-BOLO shared Google Drive. Partners wishing to print posters in other dimensions should contact ERINN ([email protected]). 5.3 Deliverable/Report Template A Word template has been designed and developed for MARCO-BOLO project deliverables, as well as internal and external reports (Appendix 5). The template includes the MARCO-BOLO branding, set up with heading, formatting, font type, size, and colours. This template can be updated if needed throughout the project please contact ERINN (mathil[email protected]). The deliverable template is available to download from the MARCO-BOLO shared Google Drive. 6. Promotional Poster A generic promotional poster (Appendix 6) has been designed and developed at the very start of the project, to present MARCO-BOLO at events and for promoting the project’s work to external stakeholders. The poster highlights the “project at a glance” key information such as the programme, type of action, duration, coordinator, consortium, and total budget. It contains general information about the project such as objectives and expected results. It shows the contact details of the project coordinator, manager and communication responsible. The poster is designed for printing on A0 paper in full colour, partners wishing to print a poster in another dimension should contact ERINN ([email protected]). The poster is available to download for future events from the MARCO-BOLO shared Google Drive. 7. Pull-up Banner A project pull-up banner has been designed and developed to be showcased at MARCO-BOLO-related events and partners’ institutions (Appendix 7). The pull-up banner shows the logo, related images and funding and contact information. The pull-up banner dimensions are 850 x 2000mm, please print full colour on one side with a pull-up banner mechanism at the base and a vertical stand. It is available for partners to download from the MARCO-BOLO shared Google Drive. D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 16 Figure 10. Twitter/X (left, 285 followers) and LinkedIn (right, 101 followers) MARCO-BOLO accounts. 13. Press Releases The first press release, to announce the launch of MARCO-BOLO, was published on 7 December 2022 (Appendix 11). The press release was uploaded to Alpha Galileo (an independent business-to-business science news service for the research and media communities) and distributed to partners with the request to distribute widely through their networks (approved GDPR stakeholder mailing lists and related project networks). It was also uploaded to the project website under the “News” and “Resources” sections, the MARCO-BOLO X/Twitter account and shared on the ERINN LinkedIn and X accounts. The first press release introducing the project was effectively disseminated through the following partners and related projects’ websites and social media channels: - EMBRC: https://www.embrc.eu/newsroom/news/marco-bolo-start - ERINN: https://erinn.eu/eu-project-launched-to-better-understand-marine-biodiversitydecline-and-restore-ocean-health/ - MBA: https://www.countryside-jobs.com/article/2022-12-13-eu-project-marco-bololaunched-to-better-understand-marine-biodiversity-decline-and-restore-ocean-health & https://www.linkedin.com/posts/marine-biological-association_eu-project-marco-bololaunched-to-better-activity-7008049375583027200-rRwp/?originalSubdomain=ir - EU4OceanObs: https://www.eu4oceanobs.eu/marco-bolo-observations-marine-biodiversitydecline-and-restore-ocean-health/ - Fish Focus: https://fishfocus.co.uk/new-eu-marine-biodiversity-project/ D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 17 14. Collaboration With Other Projects and Initiatives MARCO-BOLO aims to actively cooperate with the other projects selected under the same funding call (Biodiversity and ecosystem services (HORIZON-CL6-2022-BIODIV-01): OBAMA-NEXT and DiverSea) and complementary successful projects where possible. Collaboration is key in EU-funded projects, where possibilities emerge thanks to knowledge transfer, networking, and direct interaction with policymakers. This is the reason why we keep the “Related Projects” tab on our website up-to-date and stay informed on their progress, as well as share our news with them. The representatives from these related projects (OBAMA-NEXT, BIOocean5D, Biodiversa+, EuropaBON, EU4OceanOBS, MBON and DTO-BioFlow) each attended the MARCO-BOLO kick-off meeting and had an allocated time to introduce their projects. Figure 11. Part of MARCO-BOLO Kick-Off meeting agenda. During the afternoon, a special session took place where coordinators from various projects engaged in discussions with MARCO-BOLO partners to explore optimal collaboration methods and identify specific activities. Several initiatives were considered, including the potential formation of working groups comprising representatives from different projects, such as those focused on communication and eDNA. So far, MARCO-BOLO has actively cooperated with the following projects and initiatives: D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 18 - OBAMA-NEXT EU project 101081642: MARCO-BOLO cooperates actively with its sister project OBAMA-NEXT. OBAMA-NEXT’s goal is to develop a toolbox for generating accurate, precise and relevant information characterising marine ecosystems and their biodiversity. The MARCO-BOLO communication partner ERINN also had a meeting with the OBAMA-NEXT communication partner Science Crunchers in February 2023, where they suggested and discussed how the projects could collaborate on communication and dissemination activities such as social media, policy briefs, joint events etc. UNESCO-IOC, which is tasked with establishing a Community of Practice (CoP) for MARCO-BOLO, organized a call in June 2023 with colleagues of OBAMA-NEXT responsible for stakeholder engagement. They discussed ways in which the two projects can align and support each other to maximize project activities and interaction with stakeholders. A follow-up call was then organized in July 2023 so that UNVIE could provide an overview of the project stakeholder profiling survey. OBAMA-NEXT shared with MARCO-BOLO a list of their anticipated products to see what tools and products can overlap between the two sister projects. MARCO-BOLO and OBAMANEXT plan to have a joint General Assembly in the Netherlands in February 2024. - The BioEco Panel of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) met with the MARCO-BOLO consortium on 18 September 2023. MARCO-BOLO is meant to contribute to and help implement GOOS BioEco work, in particular, advancing the development of EOVs and EBVs and helping ensure that project outputs and information feed into global processes. The two parties agreed on a Joint Action Plan that aims to serve as a living document and identify areas of potential future collaboration. - EuropaBON EU project 101003553: There have been interactions between MARCO-BOLO and EuropaBON which has been tasked with the development of a potential framework for a European Biodiversity Monitoring Coordination Centre (BMCC). The lack of marine expertise or representation in the EuropaBON project has prompted the consortium to interact with MARCOBOLO through our data standardisation work, focusing on developing data for EOVs, EBVs, MSFD and WFD indicators. Several MARCO-BOLO colleagues were invited by EuropaBON to participate in a co-design workshop for the European Biodiversity Monitoring Centre (BMCC) held in Leipzig, Germany, in November 2023. The overall aim of the workshop was to gather final input and discuss opportunities and challenges associated with the remaining key deliverables for the project. MARCO-BOLO colleagues had the opportunity to engage and build relationships with consortium members and explore where the marine biodiversity observation community could contribute to this process. MARCO-BOLO’s Community of Practice (CoP) has also been a line of communication as a representative of EuropaBON serves as a core member of the CoP which is tasked with providing advice and steering overall stakeholder engagement. - Biodiversa+ EU project 101052342: This project brings together environment agencies and funding agencies from across Europe to work together on funding biodiversity research and monitoring. It is an important link for MARCO-BOLO to ensure engagement with environmental agencies. Biodiversa+ participated in the kick-off meeting of MARCO-BOLO and a representative of Biodiversa+ is serving as a core member of the MARCO-BOLO CoP ensuring their input to MARCOBOLO deliverable and service development. Interactions have also taken place regarding the Biodiversa+ demonstrator EURockfish, to see how the MARCO-BOLO partners can support the project. D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 19 - DTO-BioFlow EU project 101112823: This project aims to bring biological data into the digital twin of the ocean initiative. MARCO-BOLO is working together with DTO-BioFlow to uncover long-term time series for the northeast Atlantic for the analysis of biodiversity trends. The projects launched a joint call for data. The two projects are also now exploring whether there is any potential to link up via the MARCO-BOLO CoP regarding the 1st MARCO-BOLO Co-Design Workshop to be held in early 2024. - BiOceans5D EU project 101059915: BIOcean5D is a major interdisciplinary project designed to better understand the impact of human activity on Europe’s seas and coastlines. MARCO-BOLO is working with BiOcean5D on the implementation of data standards, with BIOceans5D using extensive parts of the MARCO-BOLO data management plan (DMP) as well as suggesting improvements that will be adopted in WP1’s update of the DMP. - MARCO-BOLO partner CIIMAR (Task 7.4 Lead): Hosted a session titled "Improving Cooperation between European Projects" during the European Marine Biology Symposium (2-8 September 2023). Coordinators showcased five EU projects and initiatives (ACTNOW, MarinePlan, MPA Europe, MBON Europe, iAtlantic) and explored strategies for enhancing collaboration during ongoing research projects. The discussion extended to effective cooperation in engaging with policymakers and society. Following a fruitful audience discussion, it was agreed to organize dedicated sessions on project cooperation in future EMBS meetings. D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 20 Appendix Appendix 1. Brand Guidelines D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 21 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 22 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 23 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 24 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 25 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 32 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 33 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 34 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 35 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 36 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 37 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 38 Appendix 2. Promotional Factsheet D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 39 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 40 Appendix 3. PowerPoint Presentation Template D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 41 Appendix 4. Poster Presentation Template D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 48 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 49 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 50 Appendix 9. Project Video (screenshots) D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 51 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 52 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 53 D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 54 Appendix 10. Project Explainer Infographic D7.5 Portfolio of Tools and Activities to Promote MARCO-BOLO 55 Appendix 11. Press Release Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Programme, Grant Agreement No. 101082021 (MARCO-BOLO). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. UK participants in MARCO-BOLO are supported by the UKRI’s Horizon Europe Guarantee under the Grant No. 10068180 (MS); No. 10063994 (MBA); No. 10048178 (NOC). Project Coordinator Nicolas Pade | nicolas.pad[email protected] Project Manager Davide Di Cioccio | davide.diciocci[email protected] Press and Communications Mathilde Vidal | ma[email protected] Website: MarcoBolo-Project.eu X: @MARCOBOLO_EU LinkedIn: MARCO-BOLO