CRADLES

Project Summary:

The CRADLES project (Creating Resilient Areas to Develop Lifecycles and Ecosystem Services) is an EU-funded initiative under the IPA ADRION Programme. Its goal is to restore and conserve critical nursery areas in the Adriatic-Ionian region. These areas are essential for the survival of many aquatic species, both vertebrates and invertebrates and for maintaining the health of the entire ecosystem. However, they are under serious threat from pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change, which are challenges shared by all countries in the region.

To tackle these threats, CRADLES adopts a holistic, transnational approach. It brings together partners from seven countries to collaboratively address the degradation of nursery areas. By pooling resources, expertise, and best practices, the project aims to restore these habitats and ensure their long-term sustainability.

Key Goals and Objectives

The primary objective of CRADLES is to improve the conservation of biodiversity and nursery areas in the coastal and freshwater wetlands of the Adriatic-Ionian region. This will be achieved through science-based restoration efforts, combined with traditional management practices that have supported these ecosystems for centuries. The project seeks to enhance ecological processes, benefiting both the species that rely on these habitats and the human communities that depend on the ecosystem services they provide.

An added benefit of restoring nursery areas is their potential to improve carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation.

Output

CRADLES will produce several key outputs, including:

• A comprehensive restoration and conservation strategy for nursery areas.
• Pilot studies to test the effectiveness of proposed restoration actions.
• Capacity building and knowledge-sharing initiatives, helping local communities and stakeholders gain the skills and understanding needed to sustain these efforts.
  
  

Local communities, environmental NGOs, government agencies, academic institutions, and businesses in the region are the main beneficiaries.

Why Transnational Approach Matters

The challenges facing nursery areas do not stop at national borders. Pollution, habitat loss, and climate change affect the entire Adriatic-Ionian region. By working together, countries can develop more effective, coordinated strategies to address these shared problems. Additionally, the project covers a wide range of habitats—from freshwater to transitional and marine environments—ensuring a comprehensive approach to restoration.

What Makes CRADLES Unique

CRADLES stands out for its innovative, region-wide approach. Unlike previous efforts, which were often fragmented or limited in scope, this project unites seven countries to create a coordinated strategy. It also uses advanced tools and methods to study the impacts of human activities on nursery areas and predict their long-term effects.
Beyond protecting specific species or habitats, CRADLES aims to preserve the ecosystem functions that sustain biodiversity and provide essential services to society—such as clean water, carbon storage, and economic benefits tied to fishing and tourism.
By taking a holistic and collaborative approach, CRADLES aims to set a new standard for restoring and conserving nursery areas. The project not only addresses immediate environmental challenges but also creates lasting benefits for both nature and the people of the Adriatic-Ionian region.