Reallabor Eckernförder Bucht 2030 – the first living lab covering sea, coast and land

Abstract

1.The living lab method (German: “Reallabor”) is a proven tool from sustainability research. Although it offers a lot of potential for application to complex challenges in marine conservation, it has scarcely been used in this context so far. 2.This article presents the project "Reallabor Eckernförder Bucht 2030", which is the first living lab addressing the areas of sea, coast and land together. 3.The project was developed in co-design between science, ministries and other stakeholders. 4.It was possible to show that the Living lab method is suitable for a multi-stakeholder dialogue with many interlinked challenges, e.g. agriculture, fisheries, nature protection and tourism.5.Synthesis and applications: The living lab method is suitable for addressing complex challenges addressing the areas of sea, coast and land together in a geographically limited space. A cooperation between science, society and administration helps to tackle environmental problems by identifying solutions that a) have a high societal acceptance, b) are based on interdisciplinary scientific knowledge, and c) fulfil administrative rules and conditions. The "Reallabor Eckernförder Bucht 2030" serves as a blueprint for projects also on international level.