The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) is a network of European organisations working together to observe the oceans, to make the collected marine data freely available and interoperable, to create seamless data layers across sea-basins and to distribute the data and data products through the Internet. The primary aim of EMODnet is to unlock existing but fragmented and hidden marine data and make them accessible for a wide range of users including private bodies, public authorities and researchers.
Julia Vera Prieto holds an MSc in Economics from the University of Amsterdam and has successfully completed an Executive Development Program (IESE – University of Navarra) and a Master in Digital Marketing (Online Business School). Her professional career has developed within the environmental sector, having worked as both consultant and project officer for private organizations such as KPMG and Spain’s Business Council for Sustainable Development (Fundación Entorno) and held management positions in public institutions such as Fundación Biodiversidad (Spanish Ministry for the Environment).
For 10 years, her professional career focused on advancing sustainability in the coastal and marine tourism industry as founding Partner of Travelecoology – an ecotourism consulting and travel boutique. In 2015, she was responsible for founding, managing and coordinating WILDSEA Europe, a network that brings together leading European Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), NGOs and tourism operators to advance coastal and marine ecotourism in Europe, as a proactive response to the EU’s Blue Growth Strategy. Over 5 years, she successfully evolved the network through different EU funded projects (such as the SOPHIE Project), while leading multiple-Partner consortiums in charge of project delivery.
She has an extensive experience in piloting stakeholder management and engagement processes, having also worked as external consultant for EU Interreg MED funded initiatives such as the Mediterranean Biodiversity Protection Community featured by the PANACeA project, acting as facilitator and rapporteur of different workshops and meetings.
Julia joined Seascape Belgium’s team in September 2020 as Senior Expert and Project Officer initially assigned to the Blue Cloud Project and her portfolio has since evolved to contribute to most if not all Seascape Belgium's projects and activities.