The main goal of the project BLUE LAND is to develop and implement a participatory and ecosystem-based model for the protection and safeguard of marine and coastal resources, habitats, biodiversity and ecosystem services. This model will represent a form of management comparable to that of a Marine Protected Area, with the added benefit of a broader ownership of the goals within the local community and a lighter procedure in the implementation of management policies. The project represents a new approach to the governance of marine and coastal resources, as it fosters mechanisms for the involvement of local communities in biodiversity protection.