proyectoimisen

ProyectoImisen is a multidisciplinary research initiative launched in 2021 by the Instituto de Investigación Medioambiental de España (IIMES). The project aims to develop innovative strategies for the sustainable management of coastal ecosystems in the southwestern region of the Iberian Peninsula. By integrating marine biology, environmental engineering, and socio‑economic studies, ProyectoImisen seeks to assess the impacts of climate change, pollution, and human activity on shoreline habitats and to propose evidence‑based policies for their protection and restoration.

The project is funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through a 5‑year grant, with additional contributions from regional authorities and European Union environmental programmes. The research team comprises more than 30 scientists, technicians, and local stakeholders, and collaborates with universities located in Sevilla, Granada, and Malaga.

Key components of the program include the deployment of autonomous sensor networks along key coastal sites, large‑scale sediment and water quality monitoring, and participatory workshops with fishing communities. Preliminary findings, released in 2023, highlight a significant decline in benthic biodiversity correlated with increased microplastic concentrations, as well as a measurable rise in sea‑level fluctuations in the studied area. Based on these results, the project has formulated a set of adaptive management recommendations that are currently being reviewed by the Andalusian regional government.

By combining scientific rigor with community engagement, ProyectoImisen aims to produce actionable knowledge that supports resilient coastal landscapes while balancing economic and ecological interests in Spain and neighboring Mediterranean regions.