Gaborit, Pascaline, Kerninon, Fanny, Guppy, Reia, Duke, Norman, and Campbell, Donovan (2025) Opportunities and challenges in restoration and preservation of marine and coastal ecosystems highlighting participation, trust and dialogue: the case of Guadeloupe Island LIFE Project. In: Leal Filho, W., Salvia, A.L., Eustachio, J.P.P., and Dinis, M.A.P., (eds.) Handbook of Sustainable Blue Economy. Springer, Cham, Switzerland.

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Abstract

Most of the ocean remains unexplored, rendering the effects of climate change, exploitation of marine resources, and other human pressures largely unknown. The growing influence of the blue economy and blue economy policies presents additional threats linked to the degradation and overexploitation of marine and coastal ecosystems. Consequently, it is crucial to highlight the challenges that the marine ecosystems face, and potential solutions to mitigate these pressures linked to protection and restoration actions.

This chapter delves into the barriers and constraints surrounding the implementation of nature-based solutions for the protection and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems. This chapter is based on the analysis of the scientific members of one case study through the LIFE Adapt’Island project based on the restoration of emblematic ecosystems such as seagrass beds, mangroves, and corals in a context of degradation and overexploitation boosted by the blue economy. This project was implemented by the Guadeloupe Port Caribes and 2 NGOs on key restoration sites spread over 8000 ha for a period of 5 years. This chapter is drafted by pluri-disciplinary members of the scientific committee of the project, who have been hired to support the project’s implementation and benefited from a privileged access to the project’s data. The chapter is based on their observation and analysis, but also on their strong work experience on similar ecosystemic protection and restoration projects We emphasize the importance of carefully selecting and understanding the installation site as well as the need for local involvement of residents and stakeholders in endorsing and accepting the project as desirable, useful, and viable. We then consider the potential and challenges of developed nature-based solutions applied to marine coastal ecosystems. We approach the importance of participation, coordinated partnerships, research, monitoring, engagement, and awareness to the success of restoration efforts. An ecosystem impact analysis offers an initial overview, while a socio-ecological perspective emphasizes the role of dialogue and trust.

The core assumption of this paper is that restoration efforts will be ineffective without accompanying anthropic pressure reduction measures, such as behavioral change for pollution control, climate change mitigation, and waste management. Furthermore, genuine engagement with local communities involving dialogue and trust is critical to shift from passive to active co-management. An increased and improved management of coastal areas, along with more preventative measures, will be necessary to enhance marine and coastal resilience. Based on our experience and project, it is recommended that future protection and restoration projects incorporate comprehensive stakeholders’ engagement plans from the outset to ensure community buy-in and participation. Robust monitoring and transparent communication of results are essential for maintaining trust and assessing the effectiveness of restoration efforts. Additionally, integrating adaptive management strategies that can respond to new challenges and opportunities will enhance the resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems. These practices in a context of growing blue economy can inspire and guide similar initiatives aiming to protect and restore vital ecosystems under pressure from anthropogenic activities and climate change.

Item ID:	84613
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-3-031-32671-4
Copyright Information:	© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024' W. L. Filho et al. (eds.), Handbook of Sustainable Blue Economy.
Date Deposited:	10 Feb 2025 01:21
FoR Codes:	41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4101 Climate change impacts and adaptation > 410102 Ecological impacts of climate change and ecological adaptation @ 30% 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4102 Ecological applications > 410204 Ecosystem services (incl. pollination) @ 30% 31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) @ 40%
SEO Codes:	19 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL HAZARDS > 1901 Adaptation to climate change > 190103 Social impacts of climate change and variability @ 40% 19 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL HAZARDS > 1905 Understanding climate change > 190508 Understanding the impact of natural hazards caused by climate change @ 20% 28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280111 Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences @ 40%
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