SEASTRONG project studies natural coastal defenses

The SEASTRONG international project, funded by a 6 million euro Horizon Europe grant, is investigating how coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows protect tropical coastlines from wave action and erosion. The research involves three primary study areas: the Seychelles, Belize, and Fiji.

Researchers from Università Ca' Foscari Venezia, led by Professor Alessio Rovere, are utilizing advanced technology to create 3D “digital twins” of these natural environments. These detailed reconstructions allow scientists to analyze how the specific structures of marine ecosystems influence water movement. By integrating these digital models with real-world data from field sensors, the team aims to calibrate hydrodynamic models to accurately simulate natural conditions.

These validated models will enable researchers to simulate future scenarios, such as the impacts of climate change and habitat degradation, while also evaluating the effectiveness of various conservation and restoration efforts. As part of the project, local organizations in the Seychelles, including the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority and the Seychelles Islands Foundation, have received training to participate directly in data collection and analysis.