Posted on March, 26 2025

Europe’s marine and coastal ecosystems face unprecedented threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. With over 40% of the EU population living in coastal regions, urgent restoration efforts are essential to protect coastal communities, safeguard biodiversity and mitigate climate change impacts. 

A new WWF report identifies 10 key principles for effective marine and coastal restoration in the EU, providing a first-of-its-kind framework for restoring Europe’s seas and coastal regions under the Nature Restoration Law. Featuring diverse case studies across the continent, the report lays out the elements that make marine restoration effective, sustainable and scientifically sound. 

The research, based on peer-reviewed literature and analysis of marine restoration projects in the EU, concludes with a step-by-step checklist, especially helpful to policy-makers and project managers preparing National Restoration Plans under the newly adopted Nature Restoration Law. 

Read more in our report: 10 Key Principles for Effective Marine and Coastal Restoration: Setting the Scene for Success in the EU.