The Solent Seascape Project, the UK’s first large-scale marine restoration initiative, has been internationally recognized as a UN Ocean Decade Action, highlighting its global significance. The project aims to restore vital marine habitats—salt marshes, seagrass beds, oyster reefs, and seabird sites—across the Solent, a rich estuarine system between the Isle of Wight and mainland England.
Rosalie Wright, Project Coordinator at Blue Marine Foundation, expressed pride in this recognition, stating, “We are immensely proud that the Solent Seascape Project has been recognised internationally by such a prestigious institution. As a UN Ocean Decade Action, we look forward to working alongside and learning from this network to collectively achieve change for our ocean, at a local and global scale.”
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Benefits for both nature and people
The project’s approach emphasises the importance of connectivity between different habitats for the benefit of both people and nature. Restoration efforts are already underway, including seven seabird sites, trial seagrass sites, and areas for salt marsh and oyster restoration. The efforts are also scientifically monitored to assess benefits like carbon storage and to engage local communities in marine conservation.
As part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), the Solent Seascape Project contributes to key challenges such as ecosystem restoration, climate change solutions, and promoting positive behavior towards the ocean. Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, emphasized the need for action, saying, “Since the start of the Decade, we have built a strong awareness of the need for action within our community. Now, we are channelling this determination into concrete efforts to get the best results.”
The project is a collaboration of ten organizations, including the Blue Marine Foundation, RSPB, and the University of Portsmouth, working together to create a thriving, resilient coastal environment.