LIFE NatuReef

LIFE NatuReef is a European project aimed at restoring ancient oyster and sabellid reefs at the mouth of the Bevano River.

These reefs are natural "bioconstructions" that provide a range of ecosystem goods and services, including the restoration of underwater habitats, the enhancement of biodiversity, and the protection of coastal habitats from storms and erosion, with a view to mitigating and adapting to climate change.

The project is a significant initiative for environmental conservation and sustainable development, serving as a "best practices" laboratory applied for the first time in the Adriatic Sea.

LIFE NatuReef is nature repairing and regenerating.

GOALS:

The LIFE NatuReef project is an ambitious initiative focused on restoring and enhancing marine and coastal habitats through the creation of oyster and sabellariid reefs. The project aims to:

  1. Create an oyster reef
    LIFE NatuReef will establish a submerged oyster reef of approximately 4,000 square meters near and parallel to the beach. Oyster reefs serve as preferred habitats for various marine species, contribute to improving water quality, and protect the coastline.

  2. Stimulate the development of sabellariid worm reef
    Sabellariid are small worms capable of creating submerged reefs by aggregating sand. Through small transplants, their growth will be stimulated at the base of oyster reefs, playing a crucial role in consolidating structures and increasing biodiversity.

  3. Enhance marine biodiversity
    The goal is to increase the number of marine species, including algae, invertebrates, and fish, by providing an ideal location for reproduction and protection of juveniles and repopulating the surrounding sea.

  4. Protect coastal habitats
    The project proposes a nature-based solution to protect and restore marine and coastal habitats, creating resilient communities and habitats resistant to climate change.

  5. Promote the conservation of protected fauna and flora
    By creating a high-biodiversity habitat and protecting the coast, marine and coastal protected species in this oasis will be better safeguarded.

  6. Increase public awareness
    Educating and raising awareness among the public about the importance of restoring biogenic reefs as a nature-based solution for coastal defense and enhancing marine biodiversity is the first step toward a paradigm shift: protecting coasts by restoring natural environments rather than creating artificial barriers to the sea.

PARTNERSHIP:

Lead Partner: Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna
Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA)
Coordinatore: Prof. Massimo Ponti This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dipartimento di Ingegneria civile, chimica, ambientale e dei Materiali (DICAM)
Prof.ssa Renata Archetti This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Comune di Ravenna 
Servizio Tutela Ambiente e Territorio
Dr. Stefano Ravaioli This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

PROAMBIENTE
Dr. Fabrizio del Bianco This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Parco Delta del Po Emilia-Romagna
Dr. Massimiliano Costa This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Fondazione Flaminia
Centro per l'innovazione Fondazione Flaminia (CIFLA)
Dr. Sabrina Mascia This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Associate Partner:
Reef Check Italia ETS
Prof. Carlo Cerrano This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PROJECT CHANNELS:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Programme UE: LIFE

LIFE-2022-SAP-NAT - Nature & Biodiversity - Standard Action

Reference: LIFE22-NAT-IT-LIFE-NatuReef/101113742

Period: 1/07/2023 - 30/06/2027

Total Eligible Budget: € 3'183'057

EU Contribution: € 1'909'832 (60%)