A Distinctive Inclusive Approach to Marine Restoration

About:

Amicos’ work in marine restoration is distinguished by its commitment to inclusion as an active principle. People with disabilities are not just beneficiaries of the programs—they are trained and empowered as environmental agents, taking part in community education, environmental monitoring, and awareness-raising activities. Restoration projects are closely linked with citizen science and built on strong collaborations with sectors such as artisanal fisheries, fishers’ guilds, the education system, universities, and local authorities.

Their efforts are focused on the Rías Baixas, one of the most biodiverse and economically important marine areas in Europe.

Main Marine and Coastal Projects:

REMAR Project

(Marine Waste Reduction in the Rías Baixas)

REMAR focuses on reducing marine litter and improving collaboration among fishery sectors, public administrations, and local communities. Through waste collection by fishing and recreational vessels, beach clean-ups, species mapping, and training activities, REMAR has involved hundreds of volunteers and removed over two tonnes of marine waste.

CABALGA Project

(Inclusive Restoration of Benthic Habitats)

CABALGA works to restore benthic habitats such as gorgonians, seaweeds, and seagrass meadows, through the reintroduction of key ecological species. The initiative combines specialized training with direct action in the marine environment, using methods like the “Badminton Methodology” and reinforcing cooperation among science, civil society, and the fisheries sector.

AMIRÍOS Project

Although focused on freshwater ecosystems, AMIRÍOS is directly connected to marine health by working to protect river systems that flow into Galician estuaries. Through environmental education, water quality analysis, and active volunteering, the project involves citizens—including people with disabilities as central participants—in conserving fluvial biodiversity.

Arousa-Lab

This is a pilot space for collaborative marine governance in the Ría de Arousa. Launched in cooperation with the Galician Directorate-General for Fisheries Development under the A-AAGORA initiative and funded by Horizon Europe, it aims to recognize and strengthen best practices in the shellfishing sector. It promotes the recovery of habitats like gorgonian beds and kelp forests and fosters a continuous dialogue among all stakeholders in the estuary.

A Model for Inclusive Ecological Action

All these initiatives share a methodology based on local action, citizen participation, and social innovation. Amicos brings together environmental care with the empowerment of traditionally excluded groups, proving that ecological restoration can and must be inclusive.

This approach has delivered concrete social and environmental results:

• Environmental awareness among hundreds of people

• Specialized training and job creation for people with disabilities

• Habitat regeneration

• Increased community consciousness of the value of natural heritage

Amicos collaborates with a wide range of public and private entities, including the Government of Galicia, Fundación Biodiversidad, the European Union, fishers’ guilds, research centers, and universities. It was recently recognized with the “Activists of the Future 2024” award for innovation in inclusive environmental action.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Inclusive Marine Restoration

Amicos now seeks to scale its pilot marine restoration experiences to other coastal communities, share its inclusive methodology with international partners, and develop joint solutions in similar contexts, especially across Atlantic and Mediterranean regions.

It represents a pioneering voice at the intersection of social inclusion and ecological restoration, offering a replicable and adaptable model for any territory aiming to advance a just and sustainable transition.