Coastal ecosystems support rich biodiversity and provide essential services for local communities.
Wetlands, lagoons, dunes, and beach systems regulate water flows, store carbon, support habitats, and protect the coast from erosion and flooding. Their health depends on the functioning of freshwater systems that connect inland water resources with coastal and marine environments.
Safeguarding these natural systems requires understanding the close links between water management, coastal ecosystems, and biodiversity conservation. Protecting wetlands, maintaining natural water flows, and preserving beach and dune systems are essential for sustaining the ecological functions, with nature-based solutions playing a crucial role.