The Genesis project began in 2008 with the objective of providing those involved in environment management and health services in Europe with an efficient, web-based solution for monitoring air quality, fresh and coastal water quality and their impacts on health. The advanced, ICT-based solution that will result from this research and development will combine open, collaborative information networks while integrating systems that already exist in Europe. This simple yet innovative objective perfectly aligns with the goals set out in the European union’s i2010 Lisbon Agenda to drive Europe to become the most dynamic economy in the world. The initiative not only promotes an open and competitive digital economy, but also sets out to improve the quality of life in Europe. Genesis will provide the tools to help achieve this aim. On the basis of case studies in nine pilot regions dealing with water quality and air quality, existing systems for information gathering and the transfer of information are to be collected and combined. By means of modern ICT, collaborative information networks are to be established, managing acute risks regarding water and air quality more efficiently. More than 30 partners work on that collaborative project funded by the 7th Framework Programme and coordinated by Thales Alenia Space, which is one of the formost companies worldwide dealing with satellite technology. Within the German case study in the Odra Lagoon the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW) and The Coastal Union of Germany (EUCC-D) are involved. |