RECOVER: Resilience of coastal vital ecosystems through innovative management solutions in the Danish-German border region

RECOVER

RECOVER: Resilience of coastal vital ecosystems through innovative management solutions in the Danish-German border region

Healthy ecosystems are crucial for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Marine habitats in particular play a central role: they store CO2 from the air, provide food and oxygen, and contribute significantly to human health and well-being. The ecosystems of the western Baltic Sea are not in good condition. Algal blooms, oxygen depletion and fish kills due to eutrophication and warming are becoming more prevalent. The EU Nature Restoration Law aims to restore at least 20 % of degraded marine habitats by 2030. Restoring the Baltic Sea to a healthy state is a major challenge in the German-Danish border region. As currents connect marine habitats, environmental problems require cross-border solutions. The RECOVER project is investigating how Germany and Denmark can better manage the western Baltic Sea, including the Bay of Kiel and the Belts. It is testing whether microalgae can be used as indicators of marine health and is developing new technologies and AI-based applications for real-time assessment. The aim is to create a digital model of the southwestern Baltic Sea that can be used to simulate climate scenarios and test various management measures. To develop effective strategies, policymakers, farmers, fishermen, local authorities and citizens are actively involved in the project. This is intended to promote acceptance of measures to protect and restore the Baltic Sea ecosystems. Research institutions, universities and several network partners are working together to strengthen the German-Danish exchange on Baltic Sea protection. The project helps to make the region more resilient to climate change and supports the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. This benefits the environment, the economy and the quality of life of people in the region.

October, 2025

September, 2028

1491000

947000

EU / Interreg

Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel (GEOMAR), Germany

Anja Engel

University of Southern Denmark, Biologisk Institut, Denmark
University of Southern Denmark, Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Instituttet, Denmark
University of Southern Denmark, Mads Clausen Instituttet, Denmark
Kiel University (CAU), Center for Ocean and Society, Germany
University of Southern Denmark, Institut for Statskundskab, Denmark