GELIFES Seminars - Laura Govers

Link to seminar

Laura Govers (GELIFES)

Ecosystem restoration in modified coastal ecosystems

Ecological restoration aims to reverse the degradation of natural ecosystems and is increasingly recognized as a critical tool for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This importance is highlighted by the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), which has spurred a global increase in restoration initiatives. Significant progress has been made on land in restoring forests, peatlands, and grasslands, which serve as models and inspiration for future projects. In contrast, marine restoration has lagged behind terrestrial efforts, even though millions worldwide live in coastal areas that have suffered extensive degradation from human activities. Coastal restoration faces unique challenges, including persistent drivers of degradation and the inherent dynamic environment. Here, I will discuss the challenges of ecological restoration in highly modified coastal using Dutch coastal ecosystems as examples, zooming in on the road to successful intertidal seagrass restoration in the Wadden Sea, which highlights the value of linking science to practice to create a real-world impact.

Biosketch:
Laura Govers is an Associate Professor in Marine Conservation Ecology at GELIFES and a Senior Scientist at the Netherlands Institute for Sea Research. Her research contributes to evidence-based conservation and restoration of marine foundation species, such as seagrasses. She works with a wide range of stakeholders, from nature managers to industry partners and policymakers, to maximize the impact of her work. The BBC made a short documentary of her work in the Oosterschelde (watch here).