European coastal areas are under increasing pressure. Researchers are investigating ways to reverse this trend and help communities adapt to climate change.

Kathrine Nitter | SINTEF

From Arctic fjords to Mediterranean seagrass meadows, centuries of human activity have damaged habitats that were once full of life.

Climate change has intensified this development. But an ambitious initiative called Climarest may be able to turn the trend around.

“Our goal is not only to heal nature, but also to empower communities,” says Ida Beathe Øverjordet, a researcher at SINTEF.

On a mission for the oceans – and people
The researchers are contributing by developing scalable, nature-based solutions at five sites:

• Arctic fjords on Svalbard
• Seagrass meadows in Ireland
• Oyster reefs in France
• Sedimentary soft beds affected by aquaculture in Spain
• Kelp and seaweed forests in Madeira, Portugal

The approach is rooted in the principles of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER).

Øverjordet explains that the work focuses on involving affected people and businesses, setting measurable goals, and using a wide range of restorative actions – from limiting damage to full ecosystem restoration.

“Importantly, not only ecosystems are restored, but also the relationship between people and nature,” she says.

Erosion and wastewater on Svalbard

In Longyearbyen on Svalbard, researchers are tackling two major issues: coastal erosion and pollution from wastewater.

Arctic coastlines face growing threats from thawing permafrost and stronger storms.

“The design is partly based on co-creation with local inhabitants. The measures aim to stabilise the coast, boost biodiversity, and provide a recreational space for better well-being,” says researcher Anatoly Sinitsyn.

First step of the plan has already been implemented

“We built a 30-metre-long prototype to protect the coast, with a stone rubble retaining wall that mimics a natural rocky shoreline. The design also includes an intertidal pool and a structure made from recycled wood,” he explains.

Now it’s up to local stakeholders to decide whether to adopt the rest of the plan.

Four reference sites with varying ground conditions are used to compare erosion rates and biodiversity.

Monitoring includes seabed depth measurements, drone mapping, and eDNA analyses. This allows researchers to track changes in both microorganisms and small animals over time.

Public awareness makes a difference

Longyearbyen releases about 300 000 cubic metres of untreated wastewater into Adventfjorden each year. To mitigate this, a grate that captures about 80 kilograms of larger particles per week was installed in 2022.
But the project continues, with a public awareness campaign that was launched in 2024.

Stickers and videos with Arctic animals still remind residents and tourists to flush only toilet paper. In this way, everyday habits are linked to ecosystem health.

And these measures have had an effect. Measurements taken in August 2025 showed a 30 per cent reduction in incorrect flushing in the town.

Researchers are also studying pollution levels and the condition of organisms that live on the bottom of the fjord.

Reviving seagrass in Ireland and Spain

Seagrass meadows are vital for carbon storage, water filtration, and as nursery areas for fish. But they are disappearing fast.

To remedy this, researchers are now restoring the seagrass species Zostera marina, Nanozostera noltii, and Cymodocea nodosa at six sites in Ireland and Spain.

The team tested several restoration methods. They planted new shoots and also seeds – both by wrapping them in small mudballs and by sowing them directly.

They also collected genetic samples to identify which meadows work best as donors, and to understand how different seagrass areas are connected.

Results varied between sites. For instance, nearly all plants survived in Lettercallow, while Baile Lar had only about 14 per cent survival.

The team tracks plant growth by measuring shoot density, leaf length, and vegetation height. They also monitor carbon and nitrogen storage in sediments and assess how seagrass helps stabilise coastal ecosystems.

Restoring oyster reefs in France

In Brittany, the task is to restore natural reefs for the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) in Brest Bay and Quiberon Bay. These reefs once covered large areas, but collapsed due to overfishing, pollution, and disease.

Oyster reefs are biodiversity hotspots. They support young shellfish, filter water, protect coastlines, and store carbon.

“We are fortunate that a few natural flat oyster beds still exist in France. But without decisive action to protect and restore them, they will disappear,” says Marc Bouchoucha, a researcher at the French marine research institute Ifremer.

Instead of planting oysters one by one, the researchers use artificial reefs made of steel and wood that mimic natural oyster beds. The structures are raised off the seabed to protect against predators and to help oyster larvae settle.

In total, 30 steel domes and 3 wooden structures were deployed in 2023 and 2024. The sites are now being monitored to see how the oysters establish themselves.

“We have extensive experience with restoration techniques for this species. We know what works and what works less well,” says Bouchoucha. “Climarest has given us the opportunity to implement the most adapted solutions at a scale that can make a real difference.

Not only for oyster populations, but also for the people who rely on the ecological services they provide.”

Building bridges between science and society

One of the strengths of this project is that it connects scientific expertise with local knowledge and input from stakeholders.

On Svalbard, both the erosion prototype and the awareness campaign were developed together with the local community.

The aim was to protect biodiversity while still allowing people to continue using the areas for outdoor recreation and preserving cultural heritage.

"In Ireland and Spain, seagrass restoration involved local aquariums, schools, and conservation groups,” Øverjordet says.

Across all sites, researchers and stakeholders share the same goal: to restore ecosystems – not just for nature’s sake, but to protect the services they provide.

These include clean water, protection from storms and flooding, and carbon storage. At the same time, restoration is meant to support sustainable livelihoods.

Lessons from the project

The project areas span from 79° north (Svalbard) to 33° north (Madeira). They cover a wide range of climates, ecosystems, and local conditions.

Key insights include:

• Local challenges require tailored solutions: What works to stop erosion in the Arctic is very different from the methods used to restore kelp forests in the Mediterranean.
• Involvement of local stakeholders is essential: Co-design workshops, citizen science, and educational have built trust and ensured that measures meet local needs.
• Demonstration sites make a big difference: They make it possible to test, improve, and share restoration methods so they can be used in new areas.

Barriers and opportunities

Although a strong foundation has been laid, scaling up restoration efforts across Europe remains challenging.

“These include financial limitations, technical difficulties such as sediment instability and severe weather conditions, and complex governance issues, including the need for permits and effective coordination among stakeholders,” Øverjordet says.

To tackle this, researchers are developing solutions that make it easier to make good decisions.

Ecosystem services bring many benefits, including biodiversity, cleaner water, carbon storage, and coastal protection. Building knowledge in these areas helps strengthen the case for investing in restoration.

At the same time, tools for modelling, monitoring, and planning are being developed for different stakeholders. The aim is to make future projects easier to plan and carry out.

A blueprint for marine restoration in Europe

Europe's coastal ecosystems face major challenges. Climarest has turned out to be more than just a restoration project – it shows how coastal management can become more resilient in the face of climate change.

“Combining rigorous science with community engagement demonstrates how ecological restoration can be effective, inclusive, and scalable,” Øverjordet says.

As Europe races towards its 2030 climate and biodiversity goals, this provides both hope and a roadmap for restoring the planet's blue heart.

Fact box:
About Climarest
The initiative is part of the EU’s Horizon Europe programme and directly supports two key EU Missions: 'Restore our Oceans and Waters' and 'Adaptation to Climate Change.'
These missions aim to halt biodiversity loss, improve water quality, and build climate resilience in coastal regions.