Line of action:

Knowledge generation and management

Status:

En ejecución

Location:

Cadiz, Andalusia

Geographic scope:

España

Line of research:

Development of green infrastructure, connectivity and ecological restoration

Execution date:

2025

Duration:

01/10/2025 - 31/03/2028

Total budget:

€380,994.52

Amount of aid from the Biodiversity Foundation:

€270,350.34 (71%)

Coordinating entity:

AIMPLAS- Materials Research Association

The restoration of marine angiosperm meadows is a strategic action to conserve coastal biodiversity, strengthen the provision of ecosystem services and enhance climate change mitigation through blue carbon. Its accelerated loss compromises ecological resilience, food security and coastal protection. This project aligns with the European Regulation on Nature Restoration (EU 2024/1991), the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, the European Green Deal and the Communication on Green Infrastructure (2013), promoting nature-based solutions that integrate conservation, ecological connectivity and socio-economic sustainability in European marine ecosystems.

To develop new restoration techniques in marine angiosperms based on biodegradable biopolymeric meshes, adapted to the specific characteristics of the different marine angiosperms existing in Spain, including the use of adult plants/cuttings and seeds/seedlings.

This project contemplates the selection of species and the identification of areas susceptible to restoration, together with the choice of biopolymers and the design of specific structures. It includes obtaining proofs of concept and validating them under controlled conditions, to later develop prototypes and test them in natural environments through comparative studies with current methodologies. In addition, the dissemination of advances and results in scientific, specialized technical and social fields will be carried out. Finally, the project integrates coordination and management activities to ensure its correct implementation and the fulfillment of its objectives.