Since 1991 the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) has focused training and research on the better understanding of coastal ecosystems in the tropics. The structure and functioning of these habitats, their response to anthropogenic and natural influences and the use of resources are at the centre of ZMT research requiring interdisciplinary approaches from the fields of natural and social sciences.
The overall objective of ZMT research is to analyse tropical coastal ecosystems in their complexity in order establish the necessary scientific basis to develop concepts for the protection as well as the sustainable use and management of the ecosystems.
ZMT works on research projects in close cooperation with partners in the tropics and its scientists also support the development of expertise and structures in its partner countries to allow for sustainable coastal zone management.