This year's PlyMSEF Plymouth Marine Science Medal Lecture, entitled 'Joining the blue dots – defining seascape connectivity to reimagine nature restoration ambitions' will be given by Professor Joanne Preston. Joanne leads the Seascape Restoration Lab and her groups research is focused on understanding the biodiversity, functioning, connectivity and value of marine coastal habitats to facilitate their recovery and restoration.
'Come with me on a journey underwater – to hear the story of the lost, forgotten, degraded and fragmented marine ecosystems that once thrived across European coasts, and why restoring and reconnecting these seascapes is vital to our wellbeing. This is also a story of hope; of how purpose driven networks can rapidly socialise concepts and implement nature restoration.
Humanity’s goals to mitigate the climate crisis, reverse biodiversity loss and co-inhabit this planet sustainably are set out by international policy, namely: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals. I demonstrate how marine ecological connectivity plays a key role in achieving these goals; increasing biodiversity, resilience and delivery of the ecosystem services upon which Nature-based Solutions depend.
This scientific understanding is used to reimagine a seascape approach to restoration practice, to consider the policy implications, rooted in the understanding that our critical coastal ecosystems are dynamic and heterogeneous mosaics of habitats interconnected by water through which living things, matter and energy flow'.
Arrival including a drinks reception is from 17.30 with the main talk starting at 18.00. The free lecture is open to all.
