REGROWTH – Restoration of Habitat 1150* through the reintroduction of aquatic angiosperms in choked shallow waters of the central-southern basins of the Venice Lagoon

Project number 101293463

Acronym LIFE25-NAT-IT-REGROWTH

The Life REGROWTH project addresses the degradation of Habitat 1150* (Coastal lagoons) in the central and southern basins of the Venice Lagoon, where submerged aquatic angiosperms disappeared. These shallow lagoon environments lost their aquatic angiosperm communities due to eutrophication and associated phytoplankton and macroalgal blooms, which disrupted ecological balance.
Although nutrient loads have decreased significantly in recent decades, the spontaneous recolonization by aquatic angiosperms, especially Ruppia cirrhosa in choked areas, remains unlikely. Hydromorphological barriers hinder the natural dispersal of seeds, preventing the rooting of submerged angiosperms and the full ecological functionality of these basins.
Building on the successful transplant methodologies and acquired knowledge developed in LIFE-SERESTO, LIFELAGOON REFRESH in the northern lagoon of Venice and LIFE LAGOON TRANSFER in the lagoons of the Po Delta, Life REGROWTH proposes transplants of aquatic angiosperms through rhizome fragments and small sediment sods.
These will be strategically placed in the most suitable areas, especially along the edges of saltmarshes, to initiate the recolonization processes. The intervention will be supported by local stakeholder engagement (amateur fishermen) and long-term monitoring protocols refined in previous LIFE projects.
By reintroducing these key angiosperms, the project aims to trigger the recovery of the structural and functional integrity of Habitat 1150*. Expected benefits include enhanced biodiversity, the creation of nursery grounds for fish and invertebrates, improved foraging areas for waterbirds, sediment stabilization and increased ecosystem resilience to erosion and climate pressures.
Ultimately, Life REGROWTH will not only restore a priority habitat under the Habitats Directive but also contribute to the delivery of ecosystem services aligned with the objectives of the Water Framework Directive and EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030.

Funded by the European Union, European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), Grant Agreement No. 101293463