We make a difference for nature and biodiversity

Natural ecosystems are under tremendous pressure in Europe and worldwide. There is an urgent need to protect natural landscapes and their precious wildlife as well as vital ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, carbon sequestration, and mitigation of floods and droughts.

This is why the European Union has adopted the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy as a key part of the EU Green Deal. To help nature to thrive, we support actions that protect ecosystems and their natural dynamics.   

Project highlights

Browse through the slideshow to discover key project achievements so far: 

 

Explore projects that benefit nature and biodiversity

Browse the projects below and visit their websites to learn more:

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BEESPOKE: Supporting insect diversity in farmlands

BEESPOKE develops insect-friendly agricultural practices to ensure crop pollination in the future. This includes bespoke seed mixes securing a rich pollinator diversity. 

Visit BEESPOKE

       
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BwN: Showcasing nature-based climate adaptation

Building with Nature (BwN) used natural structures such as dunes and rivers to improve flood resilience. Nature-based solutions rebuild or reinforce natural landscape dynamics. 

Visit Building with Nature

       
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CANAPE: Protecting and restoring wetland ecosystems

CANAPE restores degraded peatlands including lost ecosystem services.This also protects neighbouring intact peatlands and their suite of rare flora and fauna. 

Visit CANAPE

       
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Carbon Farming: Restoring soil biodiversity

The project advocates farming practices that enhance carbon stocks as well as soil productivity. The idea is to restore healthy soils with their myriad tiny but super important life forms.

Visit Carbon Farming

       
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GEANS: Using DNA barcodes to look after marine ecosystems

GEANS develops genetic barcoding to quickly gauge the ecosystem health of the sea floor. This enables authorities to manage marine life in line with European directives.

Visit GEANS

       
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IMMERSE: Taking care of life in estuaries

Estuaries are the nurseries of the oceans and home to a rich diversity of wildlife. IMMERSE tackles the multiple pressures that these nature havens are facing. 

Visit IMMERSE

       
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JOMOPANS: Tuning in to help marine life

JOMOPANS mapped the soundscape of the North Sea and set up a joint monitoring programme to protect marine animals from unhealthy noise levels.

Visit Jomopans

       
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NorthSEE: Integrating ecosystems in maritime spatial planning

The NorthSEE project worked to reconcile all interests in the busy North Sea, including environmental protection and the conservation of marine ecosystems. 

Visit NorthSEE

       
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North Sea Wrecks: Uncovering the ecosystem risk of long-forgotten wars 

Unexploded munition and hazardous warfare chemicals buried on the sea floor many years ago still pose dangers to marine life. North Sea Wrecks maps the risk.

Visit North Sea Wrecks

       
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NuReDrain: Capturing fertiliser runoff

Agricultural fertilisers are a threat to aquatic ecosystems. The project develops filter technologies to stop nutrients in run-off water from reaching streams, rivers, and lakes.

Visit NuReDrain

       
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PARTRIDGE: Raising farmland biodiversity by 30%

Using a bottom-up approach, PARTRIDGE brings together farmers, hunters, and conservationists around a common goal: To bring back farmland birds and insects.  

Visit PARTRIDGE

       
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PROWAD LINK: Promoting sustainable enterprise in nature areas

Under the slogan "Protect and Prosper", PROWAD LINK unlocks the potential of natural heritage as a driver for sustainable jobs and nature-friendly business.

Visit PROWAD LINK

       
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Sullied Sediments: Tackling hazardous chemicals in waterways

The project developed methods for deactivating harmful chemicals piling up at the bottom of rivers, where they pose a danger to the ecosystem. 

Visit Sullied Sediments

       
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WaterCoG: Joining up people and policy to protect wet ecosystems

WaterCoG brought farmers and citizens together around local wetlands and water bodies. The participatory approach strengthened local support to taking care of ecosystems. 

Visit WaterCoG

 

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