Nature-based restoration tech: deployable inoculation and monitoring tools for scaling ecosystem recovery (Cluster 6 Biodiversity)

We offer a deployable restoration "toolkit" combining: (1) targeted cultivation and inoculation of organisms to new localities (biofilms/macroalgae/biocrust), (2) on-site monitoring of biological performance, and (3) protocols designed to be replicable across sites in both aquatic and terrestrial settings (including sediment stabilisation by macroalgae meadows and soil stabilisation by biocrusts).

The toolkit is conceived as a holistic, nature-based restoration approach connecting aquatic and soil components of landscapes and leveraging their functional interdependence. In aquatic settings, Vaucheria 'underwater meadows' provide year-round activity and sediment stabilisation, with added potential for targeted removal of accumulated risk substances. In terrestrial settings, microalgae-based biocrust inoculation stabilises disturbed soils, increases water retention and reduces erosion, creating conditions for sustained ecosystem recovery. The methodology emphasises practical applications (pollution cleaning/biodegradation, stabilisation and reclamation of disturbed soils, regeneration of aquatic ecosystems) and transferability in line with bioeconomy principles.

This opportunity is tailored to Innovation Action logic (TRL 6–7) under HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-03, which explicitly seeks technical innovation that makes restoration easier and more effective at scale.

It also connects to Cluster 6 ambitions on water security and the European Water Resilience Strategy under the "Land, ocean and water for climate action" destination, where innovative solutions and deployment pathways are expected.

We are looking to meet partners for: engineering and deployment (SMEs), sensing/monitoring and decision support, pilot site hosts (public authorities, utilities, land managers), and actors who can drive exploitation and replication across regions.

Contacts: Dr. Kateřina Čapková (katerina.capkova@hbu.cas.cz); Dr. Klára Řeháková (klara.rehakova@ibot.cas.cz)