The goal of the iVALUE project (Improving perceptions and value of Baltic Sea ecosystems through alignment of policy aims and restoration measures) is to restore Baltic Sea ecosystems and enhance their societal value.
The Baltic Sea is a unique, semi-enclosed brackish water ecosystem influenced by a large drainage area and dense population. Its main challenges include habitat degradation, eutrophication, and the release of hazardous substances. The European Union's new Nature Restoration Law aims to restore at least 20% of degraded habitats by 2030 and all ecosystems by 2050. The iVALUE project contributes to achieving these goals and supports the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (2000).
The project will develop unified assessment methods and indicators that can be applied both in the Baltic Sea region and across Europe. Such a harmonized approach is essential for understanding and managing complex land–coast–sea interactions and assessing their impact on freshwater and marine biodiversity. It is also important to consider societal attitudes and values, which influence the success of nature restoration policies.
The Estonian University of Life Sciences participates in the iVALUE project in cooperation with the Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (LHEI) and other international partners. Our researchers contribute to the scientific analysis of habitat restoration and nature-based solutions, studies on societal perceptions and ecosystem services, knowledge transfer, and the development of policy recommendations and outreach activities to raise public awareness about the state of the Baltic Sea and the need for its restoration.
iVALUE is a seed project funded by the Swedish Institute, running from December 2024 to February 2026. The lead partner is the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. Project partners include Aarhus University, the Finnish Environment Institute, the University of Copenhagen, the Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, and the Estonian University of Life Sciences.
Project Partners:
- Estonian University of Life Sciences
- Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute
- Aarhus University
- Finnish Environment Institute
- University of Copenhagen
- Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology
Mpre information: SMHI project pagelink opens in new page
Chief Specialist of Communication
Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Administration of the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
53312928
53312928More information:
Appointed Senior Research Fellow in Hydrobiology
Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Chair of Hydrobiology and Fisheries
