AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

In the oceans, climate change does not only lead to sea-level rise and coral bleaching. Combined with increased pressure on natural resources, it is also changing the structure of fish communities, with affects the economy and food security. This is exacerbated by pollution (particularly plastic and noise pollution) and the appearance of invasive species. To protect oceans, the FFEM is calling for improved practices in exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and the creation of high seas protected areas. To date, marine protected areas cover an estimated 8.1% of the world’s oceans1, and many of them do not seem to be managed appropriately or effectively.

Coastal areas and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to mean sea-level rise and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the deepening degradation of coastal ecosystems, caused by the artificialisation of coastlines, the extraction of marine materials (sand and coral), and the increasing number of dams. The pandemic has also greatly affected coastal and island economies, making it more important than ever to increase support for blue industries that protect biodiversity.

To strengthen the resilience of land-sea interface areas and their populations, the FFEM funds projects to protect, restore, and rehabilitate coastal ecosystems (mangroves, seagrass beds, reefs, and coastal forests). This also helps strengthen the social resilience of local populations.

Though freshwater ecosystems represent just 2.8% of the total quantity of water available worldwide, they are critical to biodiversity and human health. However, they are now heavily impacted by the effects of climate change (droughts, floods) and human pressures such as urbanisation, poorly planned infrastructure, and pollution. The intensification of farming and other activities in watersheds increases the risk that surface and groundwater quality will be degraded.

The FFEM aims to conserve freshwater ecosystems to ensure the quality and availability of freshwater resources, along with equitable access. We are particularly interested in NbS and the freshwater saltwater interface to improve flood risk management, groundwater replenishment, and the preservation of biodiversity reservoirs.