Your EU – Your Projects in Denmark: Restoring coastal habitats and seas

The European Union recognises the essential role these regions play and is funding initiatives to promote their restoration and sustainable development. Several EU-funded projects, in fact, are already turning this ambition into reality, let's look at them in detail!

COASTal LIFE - Restoration of Coastal Habitat Zones

One prominent project on this topic in Denmark is COASTal LIFE. Supported by the LIFE Programme, the project is revitalising four former salt meadows and lagoons, crucial Natura 2000 sites home to eleven habitats and nine threatened bird species. Aiming to reverse the damage from agricultural run-off and rising sea levels, the project will restore stone reefs, mudflats and create new eelgrasses and mussel beds. By reducing agricultural use, these wetlands will absorb excess nutrients, capture carbon, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 3,180 tonnes annually. Spanning six years, the initiative will rejuvenate over 900 hectares, inviting the return of protected bird species like the pied avocet and little tern.

Speaking about COASTal LIFE's work in boosting biodiversity, Torben Bramming Jørgensen, leading project manager , said "The coastal zone is facing severe challenges in the form of climate change and rising sea levels, eutrophication, and loss of biodiversity because of agricultural use. COASTal LIFE is working with all three crises to find solutions and exploit synergies.".

MUNI-RISK - Mitigating Risks in the Baltic Sea

Another project addressing environmental and safety concerns in Denmark is MUNI-RISK , focused on mitigating the risks from discarded submerged munitions in the Baltic Sea. Often remnants of past conflicts, these munitions pose significant threats to marine life and human activities. Funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), MUNI-RISK bring together scientists and local authorities to assess and address these risks, in particular in the waters around Bornholm. The fieldwork conducted here aims to understand the environmental impact of these munitions and develop clear risk assessment tools to determine whether they should be left in place or removed. By the project's conclusion, Denmark and other Baltic Sea countries will have access to practical tools and guidelines for assessing the risks posed by underwater munitions, something which will improve maritime management and boost safety and sustainability.

These projects highlight the important role the EU plays in supporting important environmental initiatives across its Member States. They show how the EU programmes managed by CINEA translate the European Union's ambitions into concrete results and impact.

By combining funding with expert advice and cross-border cooperation, the EU helps innovative projects scale up, deliver benefits for citizens and businesses, and support a more sustainable, resilient Europe.

Discover more stories in other countries!

More information about the projects

Learn more about the COASTal LIFE .

Learn more about MUNI-RISK.