LIFE at SERE2026: European Conference on Ecological Restoration

The 15th European Conference on Ecological Restoration (SERE2026), hosted by the University of Brest in collaboration with the French Ecological Restoration Network and Society for Ecological Restoration Europe, brought together experts from across research, policy and practice. 

The event explored ecological, social and political dimensions of restoration across a wide range of ecosystems, including overseas regions. It placed particular emphasis on wetlands, coastal and marine environments, as well as emerging topics such as ecological networks and dark infrastructure. Education and capacity-building were also central, with dedicated activities for students.

The LIFE programme ran a stand, and a session focused on the success factors behind high-impact nature restoration LIFE projects. Building on more than three decades of experience supporting the implementation of the Habitats Directive, the Birds Directive and the EU Biodiversity Strategy, the session presented examples from across regions and ecosystems. The projects participating in the event included:

• LIFE RestituO
• GrassLIFE2
• Improve Aquatic LIFE
• DuneLIFE
• LIFE GOPROFOR-MED

These projects demonstrated how to scale up restoration, foster innovation and deliver lasting results, supporting the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and future national restoration plans.

SERE2026 offered a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, build partnerships and advance ecological restoration across Europe.