The Baltic Sea is in crisis – overfertilisation, intensive use and the loss of valuable habitats are taking their toll. At the same time, current projects by Rewilding Oder Delta and partners show that solutions are possible: sustainable fishing, restoration of seagrass meadows and reefs, more dialogue across national borders. At the international conference ‘Sea of Opportunities’ in Stralsund, concrete steps were discussed – and a strong network was established to promote the protection of the Baltic Sea in the future.

Around 40 experts from research, administration, and practice accepted the invitation from Rewilding Oder Delta e.V. in cooperation with Kiel Marine Science at Kiel University (CAU) to develop recommendations for the reintroduction of seagrass meadows in the Baltic Sea in a two-day workshop. In addition to exciting expert input, the focus was on exchange, cooperation, and shared experiences—a strong symbol for restoration in research and practice.

Successful expert workshop by Rewilding Oder Delta offers new impulses for restoring dynamic coastal ecosystems. At the invitation of Rewilding Oder Delta e.V., around 35 representatives from public authorities, science, conservation, tourism and land use gathered on the island of Poel and near Kühlungsborn, Germany, for a two-day workshop to develop recommendations for the restoration and protection of sand habitats along the Baltic coast. The focus: balancing conservation and human use while involving local actors from the very beginning – a forward-looking contribution to implementing the EU Nature Restoration Law.

Rewilding Oder Delta workshop shows that the restoration of rocky reefs in the Baltic Sea is of great ecological importance for the protection of biodiversity and at the same time offers benefits for fisheries, tourism and coastal protection.