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The Important Role of Nature-Based Solutions in Marine Ecosystem Restoration

The Important Role of Nature-Based Solutions in Marine Ecosystem Restoration 1024 690 PHAROS Project

Marine ecosystems are important for the health of our planet, providing essential services such as carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and biodiversity support. However, these ecosystems face significant threats from human activities and climate change, including biodiversity loss, coastal erosion, and ocean acidification. Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer a promising approach to address these challenges by leveraging natural processes to restore and protect marine environments.

What Are Nature-Based Solutions?

Nature-based solutions are actions that use natural ecosystems or mimic their processes to tackle environmental and societal challenges. In marine contexts, NbS can include restoring habitats such as seagrass meadows, mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands. These solutions not only help mitigate climate impacts but also enhance biodiversity and provide economic and social benefits.

Addressing Biodiversity Loss

Marine biodiversity is under threat due to habitat destruction, overfishing, and pollution. NbS like seagrass restoration and coral reef rehabilitation can create habitats for marine species, enhancing biodiversity. For example, seagrass meadows serve as nurseries for fish and other marine life while also capturing carbon in their sediments.

Combating Coastal Erosion

Coastal erosion is speeding up by rising sea levels and storm surges. NbS such as mangrove planting or wetland restoration act as natural barriers that reduce wave energy and stabilize sediments. Mangroves, for instance, can reduce wave heights by up to 31%, protecting shorelines from erosion more cost-effectively than traditional infrastructure.

Mitigating Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification results from increased CO2 absorption by seawater, threatening marine organisms like shellfish and corals. NbS such as kelp forests and seagrass meadows can absorb CO2 from the water column, helping to buffer the effects of acidification while simultaneously storing carbon.

Integration with Aquaculture: IMTA

Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) is a sustainable aquaculture practice that mimics natural ecosystems by cultivating species from different trophic levels together. For example, fish farming can be combined with seaweed cultivation and shellfish farming. The seaweed absorbs excess nutrients from fish waste, reducing pollution while promoting biodiversity. IMTA not only enhances ecosystem health but also diversifies income streams for aquaculture operations.


How PHAROS Leverages Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Restoration

The PHAROS project showcases the power of nature-based solutions in restoring marine ecosystems. Funded by the European Union and led by the Canary Islands Ocean Platform (PLOCAN), PHAROS focuses on restoring coastal biodiversity while addressing climate impacts through innovative approaches.

Restoring Coastal Habitats

In Gran Canaria, PHAROS integrates NbS like seagrass planting and artificial reef deployment with advanced aquaculture techniques such as IMTA. These efforts aim to rehabilitate degraded habitats by creating marine forests that provide shelter for marine life, enhance water quality through nutrient uptake, and capture CO2 to mitigate ocean acidification.

Innovative Demonstrations 

PHAROS also employs artificial reefs combined with macroalgae cultivation to stabilize coastlines and support biodiversity. These reefs act as breeding grounds for fish while reducing erosion and improving water quality. The project’s use of real-time monitoring ensures that ecosystem recovery is scientifically tracked and optimized.

Community Engagement

A key feature of PHAROS is its establishment of Living Labs; spaces where local stakeholders collaborate on restoration initiatives. By involving communities in projects like seagrass restoration or aquaculture development, PHAROS fosters sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local economies.

Image by joakant from Pixabay.

The Future of Marine Ecosystem Restoration

Nature-based solutions represent a shift in how we approach marine conservation. By working with nature rather than against it, we can address challenges like biodiversity loss, coastal erosion, and ocean acidification while fostering sustainable development. Projects like PHAROS demonstrate the potential of integrating NbS with innovative technologies to restore ecosystems at scale. 

As we move forward, scaling up these efforts will require collaboration among governments, researchers, industries, and communities. With continued investment in NbS, we can ensure a healthier future for our oceans – and our planet.


References

  1. Cohen-Shacham et al., 2016; European Commission (2015). Nature-based solutions: Definitions & Applications.
  2. Frontiers in Environmental Science (2022). Nature-Based Solutions in Coastal Areas.
  3. Nordic NBS (2022). Coastal & Marine Nature-Based Solutions.
  4. PHAROS Project (2024). Restoring Marine Ecosystems.
  5. UNDP Climate Promise (2023). Blue Economies & NbS in LAC SIDS.
  6. MeerWissen (2024). Marine Nature-Based Solutions – Protecting Marine Ecosystems.
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