Reducing and preventing drivers of marine biodiversity loss

The world's ocean, which feeds us, regulates our climate and generates much of the oxygen we breathe, is threatened by human activities. EU-funded projects are therefore working to protect marine ecosystems and conserve their biodiversity. Europe's seas cover more than 11 million km2, from shallow semi-enclosed coastal waters to the immense depths of the open ocean. They contain a multitude of coastal and marine ecosystems that provide habitats for the majority of the species found in Europe. However, our seas are rapidly changing due to human activities resulting in pollution, plastic waste, habitat loss, acidification and warmer seas from climate change. The resulting cumulative impacts have reduced marine biodiversity hence the resilience of marine ecosystems and their ability to recover. In response, European researchers are investigating sustainable biodegradable alternatives to plastics for packaging, enhanced waste and wastewater management, and improved recycling methods. They are also conducting research into ecosystem health, biodiversity, and coral adaptation, as well as studies on nature-based solutions, algae and oyster reef farms, and sustainable fisheries technologies. This CORDIS Results Pack focuses on 13 projects funded under the EU's Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe research programmes. These prove the need for biodiversity and ecosystem services research to ensure Europe's environmental sustainability, and the relevance of such initiatives for current and future policy objectives.