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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/X01648X/1

Solent to Sussex Bay Seascape Restoration Network

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor S Fletcher, University of Portsmouth, Sch of the Env, Geography & Geosciences
Co-Investigator:
Dr MM Peck, University of Sussex, Sch of Life Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Professor R Murphy, University of Surrey, Centre for Environment & Sustainability
Co-Investigator:
Professor P Failler, University of Portsmouth, Economics and Finance
Co-Investigator:
Dr R Ward, University of Brighton, Sch of Applied Sciences (SAS)
Co-Investigator:
Professor DI Keeling, University of Sussex, University of Sussex Business School
Co-Investigator:
Professor C Joyce, University of Brighton, Sch of Applied Sciences (SAS)
Co-Investigator:
Ms Z Osmond, University of Brighton, Research and Knowledge Exchange (RaKE)
Co-Investigator:
Dr J Preston, University of Portsmouth, Sch of Biological Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Mr M E M Riminton, University of Brighton, Research and Knowledge Exchange (RaKE)
Co-Investigator:
Dr I W Hendy, University of Portsmouth, Sch of Biological Sciences
Science Area:
Marine
Terrestrial
Overall Classification:
Unknown
ENRIs:
Biodiversity
Global Change
Natural Resource Management
Science Topics:
Conservation Ecology
Development economics
Environmental economics
Environmental Planning
Land - Ocean Interactions
Abstract:
There is increased government, investor, and public support for nature-based solutions to address biodiversity loss, net zero ambitions, climate change and green economy needs, improved ecosystem service delivery, and community benefits, which has led to a rapid increase in active coastal habitat restoration projects. However, these pilot projects typically face the same challenges, particularly related to the integration of biodiversity and finance into seascape restoration projects. Developing a platform that connects individual restoration projects and partnerships, and which builds a network to collectively create solutions that address barriers to a nature-positive future will support the sustainability of the projects and the durability of outcomes. The proposed research network in this proposal will examine practical opportunities to optimise the integration of finance and biodiversity within seascape restoration for a nature-positive future. Our partnership is multidisciplinary, with extensive experience and representation from the academic, applied finance, biodiversity and governance communities. Our project has three main stages. First, we will leverage existing networks and partnerships to establish the Solent to Sussex Bay Seascape Restoration Network which will connect existing seascape restoration projects. We will initiate a series of 'discovery' conversations to co-develop a research agenda for the network. Second, we will utilise the network and, guided by the co-developed agenda, hold themed workshops to identify possible solutions that support the enhanced integration of finance and biodiversity in seascape restoration in the Solent to Sussex Bay area. Given the wealth of experience in seascape restoration generated by the concentration of active restoration activities in the network area, we will adopt 'learning by doing' which will draw from the real-life experience of project partners. This will be supplemented by focused research scoped through network discussions to fill evidence gaps identified by the wider academic community and stakeholder groups. Third, we will combine the results of our intensive study of the Solent to Sussex Bay area with a series of national dialogues with the finance and biodiversity researchers and practitioners around the UK (through four national workshops) to develop a framework for integrating biodiversity and finance into future seascape restoration projects. The result will be 1) a framework to better integrate finance and biodiversity into seascape restoration for a nature-positive future, and 2) increased confidence of investors in biodiversity restoration projects. The national network will be well-placed to contribute to a future unified hub-and-spoke network to support a nature-positive UK.
Period of Award:
3 Jan 2023 - 30 Jun 2024
Value:
£147,064 Lead Split Award
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/X01648X/1
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
NC&C NR1
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Nature Positive

This grant award has a total value of £147,064  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

DI - Other CostsIndirect - Indirect CostsDA - InvestigatorsDA - Estate CostsDI - StaffDI - T&SDA - Other Directly Allocated
£19,356£44,144£25,844£13,508£40,931£1,613£1,668

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