Gregory Fuchs

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Gregory Fuchs

MSc (Marine Environmental Management)

Researcher

Team
Topics

Gregory Fuchs is a marine scientist specialised in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem-based governance. His work concentrates on managing human impacts on marine and coastal environments, with an emphasis on nature-based solutions and ecosystem restoration to boost social-ecological resilience and ensure lasting sustainability. He works in English and German.

In his role at the Ecologic Institute, Gregory is involved in various projects where he operates at critical intersections that balance environmental health and solutions to societal challenges. In the Marine SABRES project, Gregory Fuchs is pivotal in applying social-ecological systems thinking and ecosystem-based management to devise targeted solutions for reversing marine biodiversity decline, fostering societal change on sustainability issues, and refining governance measures and targets. Gregory Fuchs is also actively involved in the EU Mission for the Restoration of Oceans, Seas, and Waters, a strategic initiative aiming to conserve and restore marine and aquatic ecosystems across the EU. He is a key member of the Mission Ocean Implementation Support Platform instrumental in supporting the effective implementation of the EU Blue Parks Community, driving knowledge exchange and fostering networking on EU marine protection. He is also deeply involved in a project that investigates cross-sectoral support for sustainable climate adaptation and resilient ecosystems in the North- and Baltic Sea (MEER:STARK). Additionally, he regularly delivers lectures on marine and coastal ecosystem restoration and Nature-based Solutions at the Dresden University of Applied Sciences through their Centre for International Postgraduate Studies of Environmental Management (CIPSEM).

His previous contributions to the field include his role as a key member of the project team tasked with implementing the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. He also played an important role in developing indicators for an Integrated German Marine Policy. He undertook a comprehensive scoping study designed to greening the blue bioeconomy and transition to more sustainable fisheries and aquaculture within the EU, which incorporates aspects of circular economy principles and leverages economic policy instruments. He also contributes to a project that investigated sustainable aquaculture in a German context. He also provided Strategic Support for the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration. 

Prior to joining Ecologic Institute, Gregory Fuchs worked for the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on a marine conservation project, giving policy advice to the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). There he supported the facilitation of research partnerships with African countries via the MeerWissen initiative, as well as monitoring of policy processes (e.g. CBD Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework) and developed a portfolio analysis of GIZ projects using the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions.

Gregory Fuchs studied Marine Environmental Management at the University of York (United Kingdom), focusing particularly on marine biodiversity conservation, coastal and fisheries management and marine protected areas. After having collected field data in the US Pacific Northwest, he wrote his diploma thesis on how a dam breach scenario would affect an endangered orca population's salmon food supply.

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Selected projects by Gregory Fuchs
ProjectStrategic Support for the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration
 

Mangrove seedlings growing in Tanjung Puting National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

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Photo by Daniel Murdiyarso/CIFOR, 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly and officially launched on World Environment Day in June 2021. The aim is to more effectively address the urgent need to restore important ecosystems and habitats.... Read more

Strategic Support for the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectAnalytical and Technical Support During the Negotiations Process for the Nature Restoration Law
 

Image by Skaistė Vancevičiūtė from Pixabay

In the frame of the European Green Deal, a new and ambitious EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (BDS 2030) was adopted in 2020. Building on previous strategies and long-standing EU nature legislation, the new strategy places a strong emphasis on more effectively... Read more

Analytical and Technical Support During the Negotiations Process for the Nature Restoration Law

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectGreening the Blue Bioeconomy and Transition to Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
 

Musselfarming in Italy

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Image by Jacek Kijewski from Pixabay

Unsustainable use of the oceans and their resources leads to severe problems, like depletion of fish stocks, biodiversity loss, habitat degradation and increased pollution, among other negative impacts. With a scoping study, awarded by the European Environment Agency ... Read more

Greening the Blue Bioeconomy and Transition to Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectIndicators of an Integrated German Marine Policy
 

Image by Erich Westendarp from Pixabay

The "Development Plan for the Sea – Strategy for an Integrated German Maritime Policy" was published back in 2011 and has so far set the framework for all sea-related policies in Germany. An integrated maritime policy encompasses all facets of sea-based activities... Read more

Indicators of an Integrated German Marine Policy

Duration
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Funding
ProjectCross-sectoral Support for Sustainable Climate Adaptation and Resilient Ecosystems in the North- and Baltic Sea (MEER:STARK)
 
project logo with the project acronym Meerstark.

© Gregory Fuchs 2023

Climate change is a stressor for oceans and seas, affecting the North Sea and Baltic Sea in many ways. The surface waters of the Baltic Sea have warmed on average more than those of the world's oceans and will continue to warm. In the North Sea, the temperature increase... Read more

Cross-sectoral Support for Sustainable Climate Adaptation and Resilient Ecosystems in the North- and Baltic Sea (MEER:STARK)

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectHorizon EuropeMarine Systems Approaches for Biodiversity Resilience and Ecosystem Sustainability (HEU Marine SABRES)
 
project logog

© MarineSABRES project

Marine Biodiversity loss is continuing to decline despite current conservation efforts. Reversing the decline in biodiversity requires the rapid roll-out of effective conservation measures that can also enable a sustainable and resilient blue economy. Social-ecological... Read more

Marine Systems Approaches for Biodiversity Resilience and Ecosystem Sustainability (HEU Marine SABRES)

Duration
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Funding
ProjectNature's Integration in Cities' Hydrologies, Ecologies and Societies (NICHES)
 
NICHES project logo: Project name in capital letters. in the letters you can see a skyline, above it green and blue horizon

© NICHES

Heavy rainfall events increasingly overload combined sewage systems, resulting in an overflow of contaminated water into the nearby environment and threats to aquatic biodiversity. There is thus an urgent need to identify new, more sustainable solutions which are... Read more

Nature's Integration in Cities' Hydrologies, Ecologies and Societies (NICHES)

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectImplementation of Lighthouses of Mission 'Restore our oceans and waters by 2030'
 

Foto von Alesia Kozik von Pexels

Missions are a novel instrument in Horizon Europe, which aim to tackle societal challenges with systemic solutions. The implementation of five mission areas (Restore our ocean and waters by 2030; Adaptation to Climate Change; Cancer; Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities;... Read more

Implementation of Lighthouses of Mission 'Restore our oceans and waters by 2030'

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectSpecies Protection Rules under the Birds and Habitats Directives
 

Photo by Ryan Stone on Unsplash

The EU-funded project "Species protection rules under the Birds and Habitats Directives: how effectively are they integrated into sectoral policies" supported the European Commission (DG Environment) in identifying existing gaps and uptake of the species protection... Read more

Species Protection Rules under the Birds and Habitats Directives

Duration
-
Funding
ProjectEuropean Topic Centre on Biodiversity (ETC/BD) 2019-2022
 

© Seaq68 | Pixabay.com

The goal of the European Environment Agency's European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity (ETC/BD) is to collect and monitor data on biodiversity, as well as issues and ecological pressures related to biodiversity. This data is used to establish the state of Europe's... Read more

European Topic Centre on Biodiversity (ETC/BD) 2019-2022

Duration
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Funding
ProjectImplementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MEER project)
 
Ostseeküste | © Ecologic Institut
The aim of the project is to provide technical support and assistance for the tasks of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) in implementing the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the necessary cooperation on a regional, national and EU level. As a... Read more

Implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MEER project)

Duration
-
Funding
Selected publications by Gregory Fuchs
PublicationPolicy BriefDie Wiederherstellung von Süßwasserökosystemen
 
1st page of the policy paper "Die Wiederherstellung von Süßwasserökosystemen"

© GIZ

Freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands, provide essential ecosystem services such as clean drinking water, food, raw materials, recreation, and energy generation. The degradation of these ecosystems due to human activities such as pollution, water... Read more

Fuchs, Gregory et al. 2023: Die Wiederherstellung von Süßwasserökosystemen. Papier Nr. 8 der Policy Paper Reihe zur UN-Dekade für die Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen (2021-2030). Bonn and Eschborn: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

PublicationPolicy BriefErgebnisse der CBD COP15 und ihre Bedeutung für die UN-Dekade zur Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen
 
1st page of the policy paper "Ergebnisse der CBD COP15 und ihre Bedeutung für die UN-Dekade zur Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen"

© GIZ

The 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP15) marked a pivotal moment in global efforts to conserve and restore biodiversity. Held in December 2022, the conference produced the ambitious Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity... Read more

Fuchs, Gregory et al. 2023: Ergebnisse der CBD COP15 und ihre Bedeutung für die UN-Dekade zur Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen. Papier Nr. 7 der Policy Paper Reihe zur UN-Dekade für die Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen (2021-2030). Bonn and Eschborn: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

PublicationPolicy BriefDie Wiederherstellung waldreicher Landschaften
 
Cover Page of Policy Brief: "Die Wiederherstellung waldreicher Landschaften" with Key Messages

© Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Restoration of forested landscapes, more commonly known as Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR), is a process that has been established for over 20 years now for the mosaic restoration of degraded forest landscapes and their ecological functions. FLR as a term is used... Read more

Noebel, Rebecca; Naumann, Sandra; Fuchs; Gregory (2022): Die Wiederherstellung waldreicher Landschaften. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Bonn.

PublicationPolicy BriefThe Role of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
 
Cover Page of Policy Brief: "The role of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration" with Key Messages

© Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Healthy ecosystems and land resources (soil, water and biodiversity) are the foundation for sustainable development and global prosperity. However, loss of natural capital, including land resources, has increased dramatically as a result of worldwide overexploitation.... Read more

Fuchs; Gregory; Naumann, Sandra; Noebel, Rebecca (2022): The role of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Bonn.

PublicationPolicy BriefEcosystem Restoration as a Nature-based Solution
 
Cover Page of Policy Brief on: Ecosystem restoration as a Nature-based Solution with Key Messages

© Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Climate change and biodiversity loss are interdependent and mutually reinforcing yet have largely been addressed separately to date. A more integrated approach is needed to tackle these two global challenges effectively. The concept of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) is... Read more

Fuchs; Gregory; Noebel, Rebecca (2022): Ecosystem restoration as a Nature-based Solution. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Bonn.

PublicationReportBaseline Study for the Implementation of Lighthouses of the Mission 'Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030'
 
Cover of the indedendent expert report "Baseline study for the implementation of lighthouses of the Mission ‘Restore our ocean and waters by 2030’: Atlantic, Arctic, Danube and Mediterranean lighthouses"

© European Commission

The objective of the EU Mission 'Restore our ocean and waters by 2030' is to provide a systemic approach for the restoration of our oceans, seas and waters by 2030. The Mission lighthouses act as hubs and platforms for the development, demonstration and deployment of... Read more

European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Alao Chanou, Z., McColgan, O., Berbel, J., et al., Baseline study for the implementation of lighthouses of the Mission 'Restore our ocean and waters by 2030': Atlantic, Arctic, Danube and Mediterranean lighthouses, Publications Office of the European Union, 2023, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/34856

PublicationPolicy BriefWhy is Nature Restoration Critical for Marine Areas?
 
Cover of the policy brief "Why is nature restoration critical for marine areas?"

© Ecologic institute, IEEP

The EU Commission published its proposal for a new Nature Restoration Regulation in June 2022. In this context, Ecologic Institute and IEEP – as part of the Think Sustainable Europe network – published a series of thematic policy briefs to inform Members of the European... Read more

Fuchs, Gregory; Stelljes, N. 2023: Why is nature restoration critical for marine areas?. IEEP, Ecologic Institute: Brussels, Berlin.

PublicationPolicy BriefThe Role of Ecosystem Restoration for the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement
 
Ecosystem restoration and UNFCCC

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

As nations have been gathering at COP27 for the climate negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the role of ecosystem restoration as "natural climate solutions" is of key importance as healthy ecosystems can make a crucial... Read more

Fuchs; Gregory; Noebel, Rebecca (2022): The role of ecosystem restoration for the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Bonn.

PublicationReportProtected Area Management in the EU
 

© EEA | background photo: Seaq68 | Pixabay.com

The new EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 sets out ambitious goals to further advance the protection of Europe's nature. One of the central elements of the strategy targets is the increase of protected area coverage on land and sea, as well as the dedicated designation... Read more

Naumann, S., Noebel, R., Fuchs, G. and Roscher, S. 2021: Protected area management in the EU – Supporting the advancement of the Trans-European Nature Network. ETC/BD report to the EEA.

Selected events by Gregory Fuchs
EventDigital EventInternational Symposium on Nature-based Solutions in Urban Water Systems
 
Social Media Card of the Event "NICHES International Symposium on Nature-based Solutions in Urban Water Systems"

© ICTA

The Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA) from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), invites you to the first International Symposium of the NICHES project. NICHES aims to promote restorative nature-based solutions in urban water systems to... Read more

Digital Event:International Symposium on Nature-based Solutions in Urban Water Systems

Date
Location
hybrid, Barcelona, Spain
EventConferenceMarine Protected Areas, Source-to-sea Concepts and Multi-use of Marine Space
 

Bild von Robert Jones auf Pixabay

Ecologic Institute organised this side event focusing on the source-to-sea approach, multi-use of marine space and marine protected areas in Europe's seas (and transitional waters) – all timely topics in marine management and conservation. In three distinct sessions, a... Read more

Conference:Marine Protected Areas, Source-to-sea Concepts and Multi-use of Marine Space

Date
Location
Lisbon, Portugal
Selected presentations by Gregory Fuchs
PresentationSpeechIntegrated Approaches to Maritime Economy in the Baltic Sea Region
 
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Webinar advertisement

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© CBSS

The Ecologic Institute and the Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL) in Germany developed in the past months a set of suitable indicators to make the impacts of Germany’s integrated maritime policy presentable and assessable at the economic,... Read more

Speech:Integrated Approaches to Maritime Economy in the Baltic Sea Region

Date
Location
online
PresentationSpeechFreshwater Ecosystem Restoration
 
1st presentation slide by Gregory Fuchs presenting a policy paper stressing the need for freshwater ecosystem restoration.

© Ecologic Institute

At the online conference, "Moore II: Restoring Intact Ecosystems and Sustainable Use – Pathways to Success," held on 25 April 2023, Gregory Fuchs presented a policy paper stressing the need for freshwater ecosystem restoration. The event, organized to support the UN... Read more

Speech:Freshwater Ecosystem Restoration

Date
Location
online

Recent content by Gregory Fuchs

Publication:Report
 
cover of the UBA report "Ressourceneffizienz und natürliche Ressourcen im internationalen Kontext. Entwicklungslinien der Ressourcenpolitik mit Schwerpunkt auf Ressourcenschonung und Ressourceneffizienz"
This report analyzes documents and formats focusing on resource efficiency, resource conservation and the circular economy at the German, European and international level. It outlines significant developments and expected trends in resource policy and identifies research needs. Given the rapid increase in global resource use, driven by population growth and economic expansion, the transition to a resource-efficient and circular economy is a key challenge. This need is reinforced by various global crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and increasing resource dependency. The report emphasizes that innovative and effective policies are needed at both national and international levels to promote and implement this transition.

Ressourceneffizienz und natürliche Ressourcen im internationalen Kontext

Entwicklungslinien der Ressourcenpolitik mit Schwerpunkt auf Ressourcenschonung und Ressourceneffizienz

Year

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Publication:Report
 
Cover page of an interim report entitled 'Research and Monitoring Activities on Litter in Groundwater, Rivers, Lakes, Transitional Waters and Soil', text number 30/2024. The report was written by Gregory Fuchs and Eleftheria Kampa of the Ecologic Institute in Berlin and published by the German Environment Agency.
The report "Research and Monitoring Activities on Litter in Groundwater, Rivers, Lakes, Transitional Waters, and Soil" discusses the results of a questionnaire that was distributed to European countries via the German Federal Environment Agency. The report focuses on current and planned research and monitoring activities as well as strategies to control litter in different environmental compartments.

Research and Monitoring Activities on Litter in Groundwater, Rivers, Lakes, Transitional Waters and Soil

Interim Report

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Publication:Report
 
Titelseite eines Berichts mit dem Titel 'Fachliche Unterstützung der Umsetzung der EG-Meeresstrategie-Rahmenrichtlinie (MSRL)', Texte Nummer 31/2024. Herausgegeben vom Umweltbundesamt, mit einer Liste von Autoren, die in der Meeresforschung und Ökologie tätig sind.
This report focuses on the assessment of the status of the marine environment, the definition of environmental objectives and the development of programs of measures to achieve good environmental status. It provides guidance to Member States on the assessment of marine waters, identifies key pressures and pressures factors and offers approaches for setting environmental targets. It supports the development of monitoring programs and the implementation of measures to reduce pollution and conserve biodiversity. The technical assistance aims to promote cooperation between Member States and create a coherent framework for maritime policy in the EU.

Fachliche Unterstützung der Umsetzung der EG-Meeresstrategie-Rahmenrichtlinie (MSRL)

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Publication:Website
 
screenshot of the srevice portal "Mission Ocean and Waters"
The Mission Ocean and Waters service portal is now live and serves as a comprehensive one-stop-shop for stakeholders, offering essential tools, contacts, knowledge, matchmaking, financing, and support for the successful execution of the EU Mission "Restore our ocean and waters by 2030". The service portal ensures access to knowledge for all citizens while extending support and technical assistance to Mission Partners actively involved in the Mission Ocean and Waters implementation.

Mission Ocean and Waters Service Portal

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Event:Workshop
 
The first expert dialogue as part of the MEER:STARK project was held on 21. November 2023 at the IOW in Warnemünde. Around 30 participants discussed the topic of "Resilience and Climate Adaptation for the North and Baltic Seas and their Estuaries" at the expert dialogue. The aim of the expert dialogue was to initiate a discussion and develop recommendations for action for climate adaptation measures and the protection of seas, coasts and estuaries. A special feature of the expert dialogue was the cooperation between the MEER:STARK project and the BluEs project.

Resilience and Climate Adaptation for the North and Baltic Seas and their Estuaries

An expert discussion focusing on sources of pollution


Warnemünde, Germany

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Presentation:Lecture
 
The 88th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Short Course held at the TU Dresden focused on Nature-based Solutions (NBS) to emerging water challenges. The seminar featured several contributions over a period of three weeks, including a presentation from Ecologic Institute Fellows Gregory Fuchs and Dr. Benjamin Kupilas on the concept of NBS and relevant international and European policy frameworks for implementing NBS.

Introduction to Nature Based Solutions


Gregory Fuchs

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Publication:Policy Brief
 
Cover page of Policy Paper No. 8 from the series on the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), titled 'The Restoration of Freshwater Ecosystems.' The page features the logo of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection at the top. Below is an image of a misty rainforest. The authors listed are Gregory Fuchs, Sandra Naumann, and Rebecca Noebel from the Ecologic Institute, with a reference to the GIZ project.
This document, drafted in 2023 and subsequently updated within the same year to reflect the latest advancements, delves into a policy milieu where the UN Decades of Ecosystem Restoration and the Water Decade emerge as pivotal, particularly bolstering SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 14 (Life Below Water). The paper offers policy recommendations that advocate for the integration of specific measures into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), alongside the proposal for a binding international water treaty and the appointment of a UN special representative for water.

Die Wiederherstellung von Süßwasserökosystemen

Year

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Presentation:Lecture
 
The 87th UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Short Course focuses on ecosystem restoration for the SDGs. Gregory Fuchs of Ecologic Institute was invited to deliver a lecture on marine and coastal ecosystem restoration. The course is specifically aimed at experts who prepare and implement political decisions and practical measures towards the goals of ecosystem restoration and sustainable development.

Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Restoration

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Gregory Fuchs

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Presentation:Speech
 
1st presentation slide by Gregory Fuchs presenting a policy paper stressing the need for freshwater ecosystem restoration.
At the online conference, "Moore II: Restoring Intact Ecosystems and Sustainable Use – Pathways to Success," held on 25 April 2023, Gregory Fuchs presented a policy paper stressing the need for freshwater ecosystem restoration. The event, organized to support the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration, specifically focused on peatland restoration.

Freshwater Ecosystem Restoration


Gregory Fuchs

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