Restoration of natural and productive ecosystem systems targeting climate change and energetic transition

Abstract

In Europe more than 80% of the ecosystems are in poor condition due to excessive pressures being exerted by Humans. These systems provide services without which societies would subside. The need to act towards restoration is pressing and it is known that this is economically, not only viable but extremely profitable as every € spent on restoring ecosystems is expected to return 8 to 38 € in benefits. To spur this, and make an effective call to action, the EU has proposed the new Nature Restoration law as part of the EU Biodiversity Strategy. This proposal, has specific targets such as e.g. restoring forest, urban, agricultural and marine ecosystems, improving river connectivity and reversing the decline of pollination insects. But has a wider casting goal of having 20% of EU area restored by 2030 and all of EU area by 2050. These are very ambitious but merit full goals, that the scientific community is ready to address and actively contribute towards their achievement. This session demonstrates some of the work being conducted by CHANGE and TERRA Associate Laboratories, focusing on the restoration of natural resources and productive ecosystems in response to the challenges posed by climate changes and energy transition. It will showcase theoretical and practical application cases of restoration, demonstration of integrated circular approaches to increase blue and green economy from the bottom-up, starting on soil, progressing to productive landscapes towards the oceans. All presented research and development is framed around the need to contribute for Knowledge4Policy, ultimately working towards OneHealth – integrated view of a healthy society and environment. The session will comprise an overview of CHANGE and TERRA Associate Laboratories and 6 talks of ongoing research. The work to be presented will highlight the critical role of science as an enabler for adequate policy interventions and the need of collaborative and cross-institutional efforts involving scientists, governments, civil society and industry to achieve the targeted restoration goals. Both CHANGE and TERRA are deeply committed to advance knowledge by designing new integrative research and development approaches to actively contribute for society. This strengths one of the Associate Laboratories pillars, the support of public policies."