EU Champions Ocean and Water Restoration with €116 Million Investment
Brussels, Belgium – August 22, 2025 – The European Union has announced a significant investment of €116 million dedicated to 13 ambitious projects focused on the vital restoration of its oceans and waters. This substantial commitment underscores the EU’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding marine ecosystems and freshwater environments for current and future generations.
The funding, channeled through various EU initiatives, will support a diverse range of projects designed to address critical environmental challenges. These initiatives aim to tackle issues such as marine pollution, habitat degradation, the impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems, and the need to promote sustainable water management practices across the Union.
The selected projects represent a broad spectrum of innovative approaches and on-the-ground actions. They will encompass crucial work in areas like:
- Marine Ecosystem Restoration: Several projects will focus on revitalizing degraded marine habitats, including seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and coastal wetlands, which are essential for biodiversity and coastal protection. Efforts will also be directed towards removing plastic pollution and other harmful substances from our seas.
- Freshwater System Rehabilitation: The investment will also support the restoration of rivers, lakes, and other freshwater bodies. This includes improving water quality, re-establishing natural river flows, and enhancing the ecological connectivity of aquatic systems to support fish populations and overall freshwater biodiversity.
- Sustainable Water Management: A key aspect of the funding will be directed towards promoting more sustainable and resilient water management strategies. This encompasses improving water efficiency, reducing water abstraction, and implementing nature-based solutions for flood management and drought resilience.
- Biodiversity Enhancement: The projects are expected to have a direct positive impact on marine and freshwater biodiversity, supporting the recovery of threatened species and the enhancement of ecosystem health and functioning.
- Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Many of the initiatives will contribute to the EU’s climate goals by strengthening the resilience of aquatic ecosystems to climate change impacts and, in some cases, by harnessing the carbon sequestration potential of healthy marine and freshwater environments.
This significant investment signals a strong recognition of the intrinsic value of healthy oceans and waters, not only for their ecological importance but also for their crucial role in supporting economies, livelihoods, and human well-being. From coastal tourism and fishing to providing clean drinking water and regulating climate, the health of our aquatic environments is intrinsically linked to our own prosperity and quality of life.
The European Commission, in announcing the funding, emphasized the collaborative nature of these projects, highlighting the involvement of research institutions, environmental organizations, local authorities, and stakeholders from across the Member States. This collaborative approach is seen as essential for ensuring the effectiveness and long-term success of the restoration efforts.
As these 13 projects embark on their vital work, the EU’s commitment to a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient aquatic future is clearly demonstrated. This substantial investment serves as a beacon of hope for the recovery and sustained health of Europe’s invaluable oceans and waters.
EU invests €116 million into restoring ocean and waters
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EU published ‘EU invests €116 million into restoring ocean and waters’ at 2025-08-22 12:52. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.