Pilot4dev is pleased to share that our latest research chapter, co-authored with Fanny Kerninon, Norman Duke, and Donovan Campbell, has been published in the Handbook of Sustainable Blue Economy. Our chapter, explores the pressing challenges facing marine and coastal ecosystems in the context of climate change and increasing blue economy activities.
Despite covering more than 70% of our planet, much of the ocean remains unexplored, making the full extent of human impact—including resource exploitation, pollution, and climate change—largely unknown. The rapid expansion of the blue economy, while presenting economic opportunities, also brings significant threats such as ecosystem degradation and overexploitation of marine and coastal resources. In response, the protection and restoration of these ecosystems have never been more critical. Our chapter examines the barriers and constraints to implementing nature-based solutions for marine and coastal restoration.
Key findings from our work emphasize that restoration efforts cannot succeed without reducing anthropogenic pressures. Effective pollution control, climate change mitigation, and waste management strategies are essential for long-term sustainability. Furthermore, our research highlights the importance of local community engagement. Successful restoration projects require active dialogue and trust-building with local stakeholders to foster co-management and long-term commitment. We also explore the significance of participation, coordinated partnerships, robust research, continuous monitoring, and increased awareness.
We also explore the significance of participation, coordinated partnerships, robust research, continuous monitoring, and increased awareness to ensure the success of marine restoration initiatives. An ecosystem impact analysis provides an initial overview of restoration outcomes, while a socio-ecological perspective underscores the role of trust and collaboration in achieving meaningful change.
Based on our findings, we recommend that future protection and restoration initiatives incorporate stakeholder engagement plans from the outset to ensure community buy-in and participation. Transparent communication of results and adaptive management strategies will be key to improving marine and coastal resilience in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.
We hope this chapter contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable marine and coastal management. I invite you to read our full research and welcome your thoughts on the role of nature-based solutions in protecting these vital ecosystems.
