Nature-based solutions for marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Liguria

Acronym: SUNRISE

Keywords: #coastaldevelopment #urbanization; #ports; #marinas; #beachecosystems; #conservation

Example of a 'living wall' in Sydney Harbour, Australia (from https://www.livingseawalls.com.au/)

Example of an educative session 'on the beach’

Coordinator/Lead Partner: Genoa Marine Centre, SZN

SZN Principal Investigator(s): Paolo Guidetti

Partnership: Genoa Marine Centre-SZN, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-IAS Genova, Regione Liguria, Comune di Genova, Area Marina Protetta ‘Isola di Bergeggi’, Guardia Costiera Ausiliaria, Coop. Dafne, Acquario di Genova

Funding body and amount: Call “Simbiosi - Insieme alla natura per il futuro del pianeta”, Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo ( https://www.compagniadisanpaolo.it/it )

Overall funding: 340.000 €

Funding to GMC-SZN: 191.000 €

Grant period: March 1st 2023 – February 28th 2026

Project in a nutshell:

Human activities impact the natural, social and economic capital associated to marine ecosystems. It is thus vital to preserve or restore marine ecosystems. The concept of 'nature-based solutions (NBS)' includes a wide array of approaches that can support: i) the protection of nature, including the ecosystem services; ii) the use of ecological engineering to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in artificial or urbanized systems. SUNRISE is carried out in the Ligurian coast, where the sea has a strategic role for the socio-economic development (e.g., tourism, fishing, navigation, port facilities), and where natural and urbanized areas are strongly intermingled. More specifically, the project aims at promoting: 1) the rehabilitation of harbors and marinas through the use of artificial modules designed to enhance marine biodiversity; 2) the knowledge and conservation of the 'beach' ecosystem through citizen engagement initiatives, communication, awareness, education and experimental teaching.

Contacts: paolo.guidetti@szn.it