LIFE MAPPER project kicks off

Consolidating current knowledge and best practices in mapping and restoring marine habitats is among the main goals of the LIFE MAPPER project , in which the University of Naples Federico II is a partner as head of the unit dedicated to the development of best practices for evaluating the effectiveness of restoration in the marine environment.

The EU introduced the Nature Restoration Act to halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems, positioning itself as a global leader in addressing environmental crises. Recent research shows that large areas of EU marine habitats remain unmapped and existing mapping often lacks detailed biological data on species and communities.

Develop guidelines for mapping marine habitats, selectingthe most suitable technologies and cost-benefit analysis of mapping benthic habitat types, create methodologies to assess habitat quality, quantity and connectivity and identify baseline conditions for both habitats and species, provide guidelines for the selection of restoration methods, identify knowledge gaps and cost estimation of habitat restoration, and develop a framework for conservation and restoration prioritization to maximize ecological benefits and optimize resource allocation are among the main objectives of the LIFEMAPPER project.

In order to advance the implementation of environmental directives, ensuring effective marine conservation and restoration across Europe, LIFE MAPPER will disseminate its findings through a LIFEMAPPER Handbook that will be made available to EU member states, the European Commission and relevant agencies.