Policy Support
EcoSustain provides science-based technical expertise to support the implementation of EU, Intenational and National environmental policies.
We design, assess, and monitor policy interventions using evidence-based methodologies and robust indicators to ensure measurable environmental improvements.
Below you can explore the key policies we support, and learn more about our activities.
EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
Supporting Europe’s Ambition to Protect Nature – We provide science-based solutions to advance the EU’s transformative biodiversity targets, working across terrestrial and marine ecosystems to halt biodiversity loss and restore degraded habitats. WHAT WE DO TO SUPPORT THIS POLICY:
Our support (based on past and on-going projects)
- Design of New Protected Areas: We conduct comprehensive ecological assessments, stakeholder consultations, and spatial prioritization analyses to identify and designate new protected areas that maximize conservation value while balancing socio-economic needs.
- Evidence-Based Expansion of Natura 2000: Through rigorous field surveys, species distribution modeling, and habitat mapping, we provide the technical foundation needed to justify and implement expansions of existing Natura 2000 sites.
- Active Conservation for Key Habitats and Species: We implement targeted conservation actions for critical Mediterranean habitats including Posidonia oceanica meadows, coralligenous reefs, marine caves, and coastal sand dunes, alongside species-specific programs for fish, invertebrates, and marine megafauna (cetaceans, sea turtles, monk seals).
EU Nature Restoration Law (2024)
Translating Restoration Ambtion into Action – As pioneers in ecosystem restoration, we design and implement nature-based solutions that reverse ecological degradation, enhance resilience, and deliver measurable recovery outcomes aligned with the EU’s legally binding restoration targets. WHAT WE DO TO SUPPORT THIS POLICY:
Our support (based on past and on-going projects)
- Endangered Species Recovery: Leading efforts to restore critically endangered Pinna nobilis populations through captive breeding, translocation, and disease monitoring programs.
- Ecological Mooring Planning: Designing spatial strategies for eco-mooring networks that protect sensitive marine habitats while supporting sustainable maritime activities.
- Sand Dune Restoration: Preparing detailed action plans and technical directives for coastal dune restoration projects, specifying stabilization techniques, plant species selection, monitoring protocols, and adaptive management frameworks.
- Reef Gardens: Creating artificial reef structures and enhancing natural reefs to restore marine biodiversity, fisheries productivity, and carbon sequestration capacity.
- Freshwater Ecosystem Recovery: Restoring the ecological functionality of small island freshwater systems through wetland rehabilitation, invasive species control, and water quality improvement.
Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) 2008/56/EC
Achieving Good Environmental Status in EU Seas – We contribute technical expertise to help assess and achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) through robust indicator development, monitoring programs, and ecosystem-based management frameworks. WHAT WE DO TO SUPPORT THIS POLICY:
Our support (based on past and on-going projects)
- Indicators: Developing scientifically rigorous indicators and common assessment methodologies for evaluating the status of marine species, habitats, and ecosystems, ensuring consistency across EU marine regions (D1)
- Apply methods to assess and reduce bycatch (related to D3); develop geospatial database for bycatch monitoring.
- Assessment and reporting of presence and impacts Non-indigenous species (D2)
Water Framework Directive (WFD) 2000/60/EC
Protecting and Restoring Europe’s Waters – We provide integrated water resource assessments that support Member States in achieving good ecological and chemical status for surface and groundwater bodies, addressing both pollution and hydromorphological pressures. WHAT WE DO TO SUPPORT THIS POLICY:
Our support (based on past and on-going projects)
- Eutrophication Analysis: Investigating nutrient dynamics, ecological impacts, and management pathways to address eutrophication in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
- Seawater Intrusion Risk Assessment: Conducting risk-based assessments for saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers, integrating climate projections and sustainable water use scenarios.
- DPSIR Framework Application: Applying the Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response framework to diagnose water resource challenges and design evidence-based management interventions.
Marine Spatial Planning Directive (2014/89/EU)
Balancing Blue Economy Growth with Marine Conservation – We operationalize ecosystem-based marine spatial planning (MSP) by integrating ecological, economic, and social objectives into transparent, spatially explicit decision-support frameworks. WHAT WE DO TO SUPPORT THIS POLICY:
Our support (based on past and on-going projects)
- Ecosystem-Based Spatial Prioritization: Using advanced spatial optimization tools (e.g., Marxan, Zonation) and multi-criteria decision analysis to allocate marine space for aquaculture, renewable energy, fisheries, shipping, and conservation in ways that minimize conflicts and maximize sustainability.
Birds Directive (2009/147/EC)
Safeguarding Europe’s Avifauna – We deliver comprehensive assessments and conservation strategies that ensure compliance with EU bird protection requirements while supporting sustainable development. WHAT WE DO TO SUPPORT THIS POLICY:
Our support (based on past and on-going projects)
- Monitoring and Conservation Support: Designing and implementing bird monitoring schemes, population assessments, and habitat management plans for priority and protected species.
- Species Distribution and Conservation Zone Analysis: Mapping bird distributions, migration corridors, and critical habitats to inform protected area designation and management.
- Geodatabase Development: Creating spatial databases for systematic reporting and long-term monitoring aligned with EU Article 12 requirements.
- Environmental Impact Assessment for Wind Farms: Conducting rigorous assessments for wind energy projects, including collision risk modeling, habitat displacement analysis, and mitigation design to minimize bird mortality.
Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)
Conserving Europe’s most valuable Habitats and Species – We provide the scientific foundation for Natura 2000 management through habitat and species monitoring, conservation action planning, and adaptive management frameworks. WHAT WE DO TO SUPPORT THIS POLICY:
Our support (based on past and on-going projects)
- Monitoring and Mapping: Conducting detailed habitat and species surveys using standardized EU protocols, remote sensing, and GIS to assess conservation status and detect trends.
- Habitat and Species-Specific Conservation Actions: Designing and implementing tailored conservation measures for Annex I habitats and Annex II species, from seagrass restoration to carnivore conflict mitigation.
- Adaptive Management Plans: Developing flexible, evidence-based management plans that incorporate monitoring feedback and respond to changing ecological and socio-economic conditions.
- Geodatabase Development: Building comprehensive spatial databases for EU Article 17 reporting, enabling transparent, reproducible assessments of conservation status.
IMO Ballast Water Convention (BWC)
Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Spread – We help ports, shipping companies, and regulatory authorities comply with international ballast water management standards, protecting marine ecosystems from biological invasions. WHAT WE DO TO SUPPORT THIS POLICY:
Our support (based on past and on-going projects)
- Baseline Studies and Annual Monitoring: Conducting port biological baseline surveys and ongoing monitoring programs to detect non-indigenous species and assess invasion risk.
- Early Warning Systems: Developing surveillance and rapid response frameworks for early detection of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens.
- Biosecurity Reporting: Preparing compliance documentation and risk assessments aligned with IMO D-2 performance standards.
- IMO Standards Compliance: Providing technical support for ballast water treatment system validation, sampling protocols, and regulatory adherence.