RENOVATE is an innovative experimental project whose primary objective is the restoration of marine ecosystem functions and services impacted by coastal anthropogenic activities and climate change.

The project focuses on the priority habitat 1120* (Posidonia oceanica meadows), on key biocoenoses of habitat 1170 and on two species of high naturalistic and ecological relevance: Corallium rubrum and Pinna nobilis.

RENOVATE represents the most ambitious marine habitat restoration initiative undertaken in Italy and likely in Europe. It encompasses a series of interventions based on an innovative, holistic approach aimed at achieving the recovery of habitat and species functionality in the medium-long term scale, within a ten-year timeframe.

A central element of the project is the establishment of an advanced observing and modeling system, operational at regional and coastal scales. This system integrates traditional monitoring with innovative technologies such as autonomous underwater vehicles, fixed stations, sensors, citizen science initiatives and remote sensing. The implemented network enables the development of a “Digital Twin of the Ocean” prototype capable of:
– guiding the planning of restoration interventions and conservation actions;
– building Early Warning Systems for extreme events and climatic and anthropogenic pressures;
– supporting the selection of solutions and enabling robust, long-term monitoring of ecosystem service recovery.

RENOVATE is set to represent the state of the art in terms of scientific and technological innovation, placing the application of the most modern scientific criteria used internationally at its core—with particular emphasis on the ecosystem approach and Nature-Based Solutions.