An Ocean of Collaboration: The European Marine Restoration Working Group

1 An Ocean of Collaboration: eMRWG Long Term Networking and Replication Strategy as part of Deliverable 5.5, HEU CLIMAREST The European Marine Restoration Working Group 3 Prepared by: Sahar Stevenson-Jones (Marine Restoration Project Officer, European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration) Approved by: Cristina Gambi (Associate Professor, Polytechnic University of Marche & Board Member at Large, European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration) Boris Barov (Chief Operating Officer, European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration) Marine Restoration Working Group (by quorum on 4th September 2025) Marta Pujol Martin (CLIMAREST Project Manager, SINTEF Ocean) Ida Beathe Øverjordet (CLIMAREST Project Coordinator, SINTEF Ocean) Edition History V_Final, 14th October 2025 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 101093865. Forward Introduction Context Network Mapping / Current State of Play SWOT Analysis Creating A European - Focused Marine Restoration Working Group Thematic Focus and Objectives Governance Model Membership, Engagement and Collaborations Recognition by the European Commission Directorate General for Environment (DG Environment) Note on the DG Environment Marine Expert Group Mission Ocean Charter Action Funding Feasibility Statement Strategic Vision 2030 Five Year Strategic Networking Policy Plan Year 1 - Building a Foundation (Ends November 2025) Year 3 - Expanding Connections with a European Focus (Ends November 2028) Year 5 - Cementing Policy Influence (Ends November 2030) Risk assessment and mitigation Monitoring Process Conclusions Bibliography 6 8 12 13 16 22 23 26 26 28 29 30 31 32 34 35 39 40 42 44 46 58 Table of Contents 4 Figure 1: Diagram to illustrate the steps leading to the establishment of the Marine Restoration Working Group. Figure 2: Membership overview of the European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration’s Marine Restoration Working Group (MRWG). Figure 3: Task Force Objectives and Leadership 2024-2025. Figure 4: The Mission Restore Our Oceans and Waters Lighthouses. Figure 5: Vision and Mission of SER-Europe’s Marine Restoration Working Group and a 5 year roadmap of its objectives. Figure 6: Examples of the SER-Europe Marine Restoration Working Group Brand. Table 1: The strengths and weaknesses of known marine related working groups or networks in Europe, as collated through the CLIMAREST Consortium (May 2025) and the Marine Restoration Working Group (September 2025). Table 2: The opportunities and risks of the Marine Restoration Working Group, as collated from the CLIMAREST Consortium (May 2025) and the Marine Restoration Working Group (September 2025). Table 3: Risks, current measures and future mitigation strategies for the Marine Restoration Working Group. Table of Figures Table of Tables 5 01. Forward 7 This Long-Term Networking Strategy establishes the need for and a structured framework to guide the role of the Marine Restoration Working Group (MRWG) in advancing marine ecosystem restoration during the first five years since its inception. Developed in light of key policy developments, including the Nature Restoration Regulation, the strategy identifies actions to enhance capacity, ensure feasibility, and strengthen mechanisms for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the dissemination of best practice. By situating the Marine Restoration Working Group within a wider “network of networks” both in Europe (under the oversight of the European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER-Europe)) and globally (under the oversight of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER)), the strategy contributes to the effective alignment of regional and global efforts, thereby accelerating marine restoration outcomes and supporting the long-term objective of healthy, resilient marine ecosystems, in accordance with the UN Ocean Decade 2030. 02. Introduction 9 The Society for Ecological Restoration recognises the urgent need to restore marine habitats, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable practices, in alignment with global and regional efforts. These include international initiatives such as the United Nations (UN) Decade of O cean Science for Sustainable Development and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, as well as European Union (EU) frameworks such as the Nature Restoration Regulation, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Common Fisheries Policy, the Green Deal, Mission Restore Our O cean and Waters by 2030, and the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Through these coordinated actions, the Society seeks to contribute to the restoration and conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems worldwide. Supported by policy and funding including the LIFE programme, Horizon Europe, European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), and Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030, key objectives for restoration include: ▷To achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of European marine waters as defined by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). ▷To restore degraded marine habitats thereby supporting the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. ▷To enhance resilience to climate change through nature-based solutions. ▷To support the Blue Economy by ensuring the sustainability of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. 16 Expert networking Competence building Most currently working under wellestablished policies such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Many have scientific or industry focus Focus on climate change resilience Focus on public awareness and stakeholders’ engagement Table 1: The strengths and weaknesses of known marine related working groups or networks in Europe, as collated through the CLIMAREST Consortium (May 2025) and the Marine Restoration Working Group (September 2025). Lack of strategic coordination with similar and relevant working groups or networks Access barriers due to funding or lack of information Slow implementation of policies with poor bridges to policymakers Organisations or networks with voluntary participation means that time is a limiting factor to contributions Scant “true” expert engagement Lack of clarity as to the equity and inclusivity of experts who are engaged (i.e. are all habitats represented?) “The same voices are heard again and again” Underlying level of competition results in slow or unmeaningful progress. SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Current State of Play What are the strengths and weaknesses of currently available networks? Understanding the effectiveness of marine restoration efforts often depends on the networks that support collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource mobilisation. However, these networks have both st rengths and weaknesses that influence their impact. By examining these aspects, we can build on the existing s trengths and address the weaknesses to enhance the Marine Restoration Working Group, making it a more effective and cohesive platform for advancing marine restoration efforts. This scoping work has highlighted the need for a united and dedicated forum to advance both the policy and practice of marine ecosystem restoration, ultimately leading to the creation of the Marine Restoration Work ing Group as a unique body with a singular focus on marine ecosystem restoration. 17 Marine-focused networking groups play a crucial role in connecting researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community stakeholders. Current marine-focused networks in Europe provide platforms for dialogue, competence building and the exchange of scientific and industry expertise, often operating in alignment with policy frameworks such as the MSFD and CFP. However, their capacity to deliver meaningful restoration outcomes is constrained by several structural limitations. Many operate in relative isolation, with limited strategic coordination across groups working on related themes, resulting in duplication of effort and missed opportunities for collaboration. Participation is often voluntary or based on selected or vetted experts, which restricts the time and resources individuals can commit and can lead to uneven contributions and variable momentum. Expert engagement is not always comprehensive, with certain habitats or regions underrepresented and discussions frequently dominated by the same voices. Questions of equity and inclusivity are not consistently addressed, raising concerns about the breadth and diversity of perspectives incorporated. Access can also be hindered by funding con straints or a lack of transparency in how opportunities are communicated, creating barriers for new participants and underrepresented communities. These networks further face challenges in bridg ing science and policy, with the implementation of recommendations often slow and engagement with policymakers inequitable and inconsistent. Underlying, unspoken competition between organisations or networks inhibits collaboration, slowing progress and reducing the potential for transformative action in marine ecosystem restoration. 18 New partnerships and collaborations with a practitioner led focus, common voice to advance science and policy Develop a database on gaps in restoration knowledge and understanding, foster international, multi-habitat knowledge exchange Focus is on Marine Ecosystems (not as part of a group with a wider focus) Translate standards of practice specific to marine environments to build access equity Encourage youth participation and engagement and assist in increasing ocean literacy Promote excellence in practice Promote continuity for restoration initiatives Capacity building via workshops and training Coordinated “one-stop-shop” for guidelines, literature and practitioner-to-practitioner support Standards based restoration Quality standardisation, set shared expert definitions and standards Networking between stakeholders across Europe Supported by existing organisations (SEREurope & SER) with specialists in advancing the policy and practices of ecosystem restoration Assist in the mobilisation of funding for marine restoration Foster joint-projects with implementation and up/out/deep-scaling possibilities Facilitate the field-testing of tools or methodologies assessed in a non-partisan way to enable restoration practitioners to show results Engage with advising on the drafting on National Restoration Plans, provide advice to EC on drafted plans Policy advocacy and influence through recommendations, build lobbying power Capacity building and knowledge transfer Policy influences through SERE Ability to independently scientifically evaluate methodology Mission driven, cross-sector, Europe-wide collaboration, with a strong core membership OPPORTUNITIES What are the opportunities and threats to a European Marine Restoration Working Group? 19 Governance change Changes in policy priority, lack of policy support for MER Lack of funding including for experts and leadership to properly dedicate time to revise and refine input. Lack of visibility in EU (including by policy makers), low awareness of the group in broader society, “PR-power”, “not having a voice at the table” “Competition” from other networking bodies who want to “out-manouvere” the MRWG Lack of volunteer time or engagement Staff turnover and capacity issues Competing priorities or mandates Some Member States that have coastlines are not yet represented in the WG Some stakeholders are overrepresented, and some are underrepresented Some habitats are overrepresented, and some are underrepresented (ensure that at least the 7 habitats identified in the NRR are represented) Lack of a clear mechanism to gauge the capacity of newcomers to the group Group becoming too “academic” or “research” focused - ensure wide participation, requires a focus on practitioners Risk of duplicating work already done by others Lack of collaboration between other similar working groups Lack of a “value-added” (what is the niche?) Table 2: The opportunities and risks of the Marine Restoration Working Group, as collated from the CLIMAREST Consortium (May 2025) and the Marine Restoration Working Group (September 2025) THREATS The Marine Restoration Working Group pro vides the opportunity for a unique, Europe-wide platform for advancing the restoration of marine ecosystems, addressing gaps and limitations in existing networks. This mission-driven, cross-sector approach brings together practitioners, scientists, policymakers, finance-experts and stakeholders to foster mean ingful collaboration and a common voice for marine restoration, strengthening both policy influence and practical outcomes. By focusing specifically on marine ecosystems rather than broader environmental themes, the Marine Restoration Working Group has the chance to ensure that its work is targeted, relevant, and responsive to the unique challenges of marine habitats. In order to ensure that the Marine Restoration Working Group provides added-value to the current state of play, it should develop and share knowledge through international, multi-habitat exchanges, including the creation of a comprehensive database on gaps in restoration understanding. It should facilitate the translation of standards of practice specific to marine environments, promoting quality standardisation, shared expert definitions, and access equity for participants. Through workshops, and in-person training programmes, the Marine Restoration Working Group should build competence, foster ocean literacy, and encourage 20 21 participation from underrepresented groups, ensuring the sustainability of expertise and lead ership in the sector. The Marine Restoration Working Group should function as a coordinated “one-stop shop” for guidelines, literature, and practitioner-to-practitioner support, enabling continuity of restoration initiatives and promoting excellence in practice. There are opportunities for the working group to facilitate upscaled field-testing of methodologies in a non-partisan way, support independent scientific evaluation of approaches, and encourage joint projects with implementation and scaling potential, helping to convert knowledge into tangible restoration outcomes. The Marine Restoration Working Group should also coordinate the mobilisation of funding, strengthen networking across stakeholders, and leverage the expertise of established organisations such as SER-Europe and SER to advance policy and practice. The Marine Restoration Working Group does however, face several potential threats that could limit its effectiveness and future impact. These were most commonly identified as changes in governance or policy priorities, including a lack of sustained high-level support for marine ecosystem restoration, and limited funding coupled with insufficient time for experts and leadership to dedicate to refining input, which could constrain both strategic and operational capacity. Visibility and recognition within the EU, among policymakers, and in broader society were also flagged as critical-risks; without a strong voice at the table, the Marine Restoration Working Group risks low awareness and limited policy influence. Competition from other networking bodies with an interest in controlling the marine restoration narrative, coupled with underrepresentation (habitats, Member States, stakeholders) and low volunteer engagement, may further challenge the group’s ability to maintain cohesion and momentum. Staff turnover at the European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration, group leadership capacity issues, and competing priorities could disrupt continuity. As the group forms, there may be an absence of clear mechanisms to assess the capacity of newcomers, combined with a risk of the group becoming overly academic or research-focused, which could limit practitioner participation and practical relevance. Additional risks include duplicating work already undertaken by others, lack of collaboration with similar work ing groups, and unclear value-added or niche positioning within the wider marine restoration landscape. Addressing these challenges proactively will be essential for the Marine Restoration Working Group to maintain its strategic relevance, credibility, and capacity to deliver meaningful restoration outcomes across Europe. Through coordinated action, the Marine Restoration Working Group therefore has the opportunity to address the weaknesses of existing networks —limited inter-network coordination/collaboration, unequal/ inequitable participation, and slow translation of science into policy — while providing a platform for sustained collaboration, innovation, and influence. Its focus on strategic, standards-based restoration, combined with capacity building, policy advocacy, and cross-European networking, positions the Marine Restoration Working Group as a central hub that not only consolidates expertise but actively drives the implementation, scaling, and impact of marine restoration efforts across the continent. The establishment of the Marine Restoration Working Group are thus a meaningful step towards safeguarding marine ecosystems along the European Seas. As a network of experts from a diverse range of backgrounds, including scientists and practitioners, economists and policy-makers, they will play a critical role in advocating for progressive marine restoration standards, and foster collaborations between policy and practice to drive forward the Nature Restoration Regulation. 04. Creating an EuropeanFocused Marine Restoration Working Group 23 The Marine Restoration Working Group was established on the 25th August 2024, under the authority of the Board of Directors of the European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration. In line with the vision and mission of the Society for Ecological Restoration, the Marine Restoration Working Group aims to advance the science, policy and practice of marine ecosystem restoration to sustain biodiversity, improve resilience in a changing climate and re-establish ecologically healthy relationship between nature and communities who rely on the marine space and its resources. Covering restoration policy, processes and practices specifically related to marine ecosystems, the Marine Restoration Working Group draws from expert knowledge and understanding obtained from a number of EU-funded projects including CLIMAREST (Coastal Climate Resilience and Marine Restoration Tools for the Arctic – Atlantic basin) and REDRESS (Restoration of deep-sea habitats to rebuild European Seas) to drive forward the implementation of best practice in the field of marine ecosystem restoration. In alignment with all working groups under the umbrella of the Society for Ecological Restoration, the Marine Restoration Working Group will continue to do this by: ▷Facilitating and organising events/workshops to exchange information and ideas ▷Contributing to the scientific and technical expert network of the European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration with focus on marine ecosystems ▷Providing technical expertise and assisting on policy, scientific and technical issues regarding to marine ecosystem restoration in Europe ▷Promoting and supporting the upscaling and replication of restoration efforts across Europe ▷Contributing to the Restoration Resource Centre of the Society for Ecological Restoration The Marine Restoration Working Group will work to ensure that marine ecosystem restoration is recognised and utilised as a fundamental component of European biodiversity and sustainable development programmes, and that future projects are designed and implemented effectively. Thematic Focus and Objectives 24 Figure 1: A diagram to illustrate the steps leading to the establishment of the Marine Restoration Working Group. 25 The Marine Restoration Working Group held its first (online) meeting on the 14th October 2024. Participants agreed in this meeting on the following ambitious objectives: 1. Publish a co-authored position paper on Marine Ecosystem Restoration that integrates lessons learned from ongoing global restoration efforts, identifying common principles that align with the format of the national restoration plans and relevant legislation. 2. Adapt the Principles and Standards for Ecosystem Restoration, as published by the Society for Ecological Restoration to the marine space, identifying specific restoration actions and documenting practical examples of the implementation of the SER 5* System, aiming to provide concrete recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of marine restoration efforts. 3. Facilitate the exchange of knowledge on the implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) across European Member States, with a focus on the preparation of National Restoration Plans (and a blue restoration plan), inviting key speakers from member states to present relevant information and best practices. 4. Conduct an inventory of existing marine restoration guidelines and interventions across European Member States to prioritise effective marine restoration strategies, assessing the current seascape of restoration practices, identifying gaps in knowledge and evaluating existing or proposed mechanisms for prioritisation. 5. Contribute to a comprehensive economic assessment framework for marine restoration, evaluating the costs, benefits, funding and financing mechanisms, integrating insights and findings from cross-basin, EU funded, restoration projects including CLIMAREST and REDRESS, with an aim to provide recommendations for stakeholders to enhance funding strategies and investment in marine restoration interventions. In addition, from Autumn 2025, the Marine Restoration Working Group accepted the responsibility for providing regular reviews and content updates to the Marine Restoration Toolbox, which is an output of the CLIMAREST project, and which will be transferred to the Restoration Resource Centre of the Society for Ecological Restoration in October 2025. Box 3 - The Marine Restoration Toolbox The Marine Restoration Toolbox is an online platform aimed at marine restoration practitioners, government representatives and researchers, who are searching for scientifically validated methodologies, blueprints, guidelines and resources which will assist them in their restoration actions. Structured on the principles outlined in the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration Standards for Ecosystem Restoration, to which the Society for Ecological Restoration contributed, it will also host a virtual laboratory where tools and code can be accessed and manipulated to provide greater insight into restoration actions before or during their undertaking. 32 05. Strategic Vision 2030 33 34 Figure 5: The Vision and Mission of SER-Europe’s Marine Restoration Working Group and a 5 year roadmap of its objectives. The Marine Restoration Working Group has built a five year strategic networking roadmap, with the understanding that these actions will be carried out only if funding is feasible. Five Year Strategic Networking Policy Plan 35 GOALS OBJECTIVES Establish the Marine Restoration Working Group using existing frameworks set out by the Society for Ecological Restoration, and raise awareness of the group in Europe and internationally, creating a concrete network for knowledge exchange. ▷Raise awareness about the Marine Restoration Working Group among the marine restoration community and other relevant networks, thereby establishing the Marine Restoration Working Group as a resource of expertise which can help in the compilation of National Restoration Plans in line with the Nature Restoration Regulation. ▷Compile a database of marine restoration experts across Europe, and identify gaps in knowledge base (e.g. ecosystem, region, methodology) to structure future capacity development ▷Collaborate and engage with at least 3 ex isting relevant or associated networks to share insights and provide mutual contributions to shared actions. ▷Establish connections between the Mission Communication and Support Actions, Light houses and associated collaboratives, communicating on the objectives of the Marine Restoration Working Group. Year 1 - Building a Foundation (Ends November 2025) 36 Box 4 - Current Participation in European and International Events To date, the Marine Restoration Working Group or a representative thereof have/has participated in the following events: August 2024 ▷Society for Ecological Restoration, European Chapter Conference (Tartu, Estonia) - launch March 2025 ▷European Ocean Days as part of Mission: Restore our Oceans and Waters by 2030 (Brussels, Belgium) ▷ICES WKREST Workshop on Ecosystem Restoration (Online) ▷REST-COAST Coastal restoration with Seagrass Meadows: Science to Application (Online) ▷Ramón Margalef Summer Colloquia (Barcelona, Spain) ▷European Marine Board Webinar: From Coastal Waters to the Deep Sea - Marine Life Under Environmental Change (Online) ▷Webinar on 10 Key Principles for Effective National Restoration Plans from the World Wildlife Fund (Online) ▷Maritime Transport and the European Oceans Pact Policy Event (Brussels, Belgium) ▷BioAgora Marine Cluster Conference (Brussels, Belgium) October 2025 ▷Society for Ecological Restoration International Conference (Denver, USA) ▷EU Algae Awareness Summit (Berlin, Germany) November 2025 ▷EU-Wide Implementation Support Event on Developing National Restoration Plans under the EU NRR - Marine Ecosystems (Dublin, Ireland) ▷Native Oyster Restoration Alliance Conference 6 (Cartagena, Spain) January 2025 ▷Ocean and Coastal Futures Conference (Online) (incl. Ongoing webinar series) April 2025 ▷European Seagrass Restoration Alliance Workshop II (Arcachon, France) ▷ICES & BlueMission AA Joint Webinar on Marine Ecosystem Restoration (Online) June 2025 ▷Zoological Society of London Seascape Symposium (London, United Kingdom) ▷One Ocean Science Congress (Nice, France) ▷UN Ocean Decade Conference (Nice, France) ▷MARE People and the Sea Conference (Amsterdam, Netherlands) July 2025 ▷International Temperate Reefs Symposium (Brest, France) ▷58th European Marine Biology Symposium (Bodo, Norway) ▷International Conference on Marine Conservation (ICMC) (London, United Kingdom) ▷September 2025 ▷ICES Annual Science Conference (Klaipeda, Lithuania) 37 Box 5: Building a Brand The Marine Restoration Working Group has been established with a strong brand that is consistent and readily associated with that of the Society for Ecological Restoration and which reflects the expertise, values and unique voice of the working group. All members of the working group are actively encouraged to share the outputs to target connections, for example conferences, professional associations and participation in other working groups or networks. Slide decks with standardised infographics, logos and licensed photos have been created for the use of the leadership team and representatives of the Marine Restoration Working Group at outreach events. In 2026, the Leadership team will work to formalise an outreach and communications strategy for the Marine Restoration Working Group which focuses on the specific objectives and opportunities for its members and affiliates. ▷Quarterly meetings of the Marine Restoration Working Group, with smaller Task Forces assigned to help meet the agreed objectives. ▷Raise the profile of the Marine Restoration Working Group on the European and international stage by participating in conferences, symposia and events ▷Set up the Marine Restoration Working Group page on the European Chapter for Ecological Restoration’s website (www.ser-europe.org), and establish a professional social network via LinkedIn. Figure 6: Examples of the SER-Europe Marine Restoration Working Group Brand ACTIONS 38 January 2026 ▷Ocean and Coastal Futures Conference (London, United Kingdom) March 2026 ▷European Ocean Days (Brussels, Belgium) ▷European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) (Oulu, Finland) ▷World Ocean Summit (Montreal, Canada) May 2026 ▷European Maritime Days (Limassol, Cyprus) ▷6th Ecosystem Services Partnership (ESP) Europe Conference (Prague, Czechia) ▷EuroGOOS International Conference (Larnaca, Cyprus) October 2026 ▷Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Conference of the Parties (COP) 17 (Yerevan, Armenia) Box 6 - Upcoming Events in which the Marine Restoration Working Group wishes to / will participate / be represented TBC ▷6th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC) (Location TBC) ▷59th European Marine Biology Symposium (Date and Location TBC) ▷World Seagrass Conference (Abu Dhabi, Date TBC) ▷EurOCEAN 2026 (Date and Location TBC) February 2026 ▷Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM 2026) (Glasgow, Scotland) April 2026 ▷National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration (Omaha, Nebraska, USA) August 2026 ▷ICES ASC 2026 (Brest) ▷SER-Europe Conference 2026 (Brest) ▷Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association (ECSA) Conference (Brussels, Belgium) November 2026 ▷World Conference on Marine Biodiversity (WCMB) (Bruges, Belgium) 39 Strengthening the Marine Restoration Network, extend connections within Europe and support the scaling of marine restoration efforts in the European context. ▷Regularly participate in local, regional, national and international events including workshops, symposia, and conferences. ▷Establish cross-sector collaborations ▷Engage policy makers in the work and outputs of the Marine Restoration Work ing Group ▷Collaborate with European research projects to further establish standards-based best practice in the marine restoration space ▷Facilitate opportunities for professional development. ▷Organise one workshop or special session in line with the European Chapter for Ecological Restoration Conference, in Brest 2026 ▷Facilitate regional workshops to address region-specific challenges and solutions ▷Participate in regional and national workshops, symposia and events and share outcomes through re ports published on the website ▷Participate in policy roundtables on marine ecosystem restoration ▷Use the Marine Restoration Working Group as a means to boost funding applications and continue to network and encourage cross-EU collaboration in marine ecosystem restoration through joint project proposals ▷Publish at least 1 position paper ▷Publish Principles and Standards for Ecosystem Restoration adapted to the marine space, as approved by the Society for Ecological Restoration. GOALS ACTIONS OBJECTIVES Year 3 - Expanding Connections with a European Focus (Ends November 2028) 40 Cement the position of the Marine Restoration Working Group as a leading voice in connecting the science, policy and practice of marine ecosystem restoration, ensuring long-term collaboration across Europe and in association with a global network as coordinated by the Society for Ecological Restoration. ▷Host a Marine Restoration Summit ▷Facilitate and encourage policy advocacy and integration in collaboration with the Legal Working Group of the European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration. ▷Focus on developing long term funding mechanisms to ensure that the Marine Restoration Working Group can continue to grow beyond the European Union Mission Restore our Oceans and Waters objectives of 2030. ▷A summit to be organised and held as part of the Society for Ecological Restoration Conference in 2029 and as part of the European Chapter Conference in 2030, bringing together leading experts, policymakers and stakeholders from across Europe (and globally) to exchange knowledge, shape policy and high light major steps forward in upscaling marine restoration. ▷Active and regular participation in major European conferences that focus on bridging policy and practice ▷Promote the inclusion of standards based restoration, climate adaptation and resilience measures within marine ecosystem restoration project proposals The implementation of such a strategy requires intention and consistency. The establishment of the Marine Restoration Working Group is an integral part of the long-term strategy for the European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration, and will continue to feature in upcoming strategy reviews. The network is necessary to share knowledge, understanding and experience, to develop standards and best practices to guide future marine restoration actions and in order to provide a pool of experts who can be consulted in the development of the National Restoration Plans as required by the Nature Restoration Regulation. With objectives set and agreed GOALS OBJECTIVES ACTIONS Year 5 - Cementing Policy Influence (Ends November 2030) 41 upon annually by the working group, and a communal goal to make a positive contribution, the working group has already developed a clear vision and mission of purpose. Furthermore, the leadership team and work ing group coordinators will nurture the network to offer value, support and encourage engagement over time. Regular meetings, division into task forces, and annual in-person meetings will help build good relationships. The long-term networking strategy developed jointly under the EU-Funded, Mission Ocean projects CLIMAREST and REDRESS — centred on the establishment of a pan-European Marine Restoration Working Group — directly reinforces the priorities and direction set by the European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration. By fostering a durable, cross-border platform for collaboration, these projects align with SER-Europe’s commitment to advancing standards-based, science-driven marine restoration through credible networks and flagship initiatives. This approach not only supports the harmonisation of best practices and the scaling of interventions across diverse European marine environments, but also strengthens the capacity and partnerships that SER-Europe identifies as essential for achieving EU restoration targets. 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