BiodivRestore: Promoting & implementing joint programming to reinforce transnational research for the conservation and restoration of degraded ecosystems and their biodiversity, including a focus on aquatic systems

Many European and global ecosystems are suffering from degradation of terrestrial, aquatic and transitional ecosystems with negative impacts on biodiversity and human livelihoods. In this context, research actions are needed to ensure the protection and/or restoration of ecosystems and their biodiversity, while meeting the socio-economic, political and cultural needs of present and future generations. Through the creation of a network of 34 funding agencies from 27 countries in Europe and beyond, BiodivRestore aims to promote coordinated international research on the conservation and restoration of degraded ecosystems and their biodiversity, in all environments, with a particular focus on aquatic systems. BiodivRestore will strengthen the coordination of research and research programmes in order to support science-based evidence for the implementation of a relatively wide range of European and international policy initiatives and thereby act towards better management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems and their biodiversity. This will be achieved in particular by launching two calls (one of them co-funded by the European Commission) for proposals, promoting research collaboration across national borders and disciplines, and supporting dialogue and collaboration between academia and stakeholders, as well as stakeholder involvement in research projects in order to increase the impact of research on policy and practice. BiodivRestore will also contribute to the creation of networks, clusters and capacity-building activities for the research community in this field and to improve the coordination of synergies between R&D&I funding programmes (national, EU, international) in relevant research areas. Finally, BiodivRestore will contribute to strengthening the links between BiodivERsA and the Joint Water Research Programme to enhance their collaboration on issues at the crossroads of water resources, aquatic ecosystems and sustainable management of biodiversity.