Danish Society for Nature Conservation supports the preservation of marine life with large grant from VELUX FONDEN

12.10.2022 l More news

The Danish Society for Nature Conservation (DN) is bolstering its efforts in support of the Danish seas and a thriving marine environment. It is happening with a large grant from VELUX FONDEN.

The Danish Society for Nature Conservation has received a grant of DKK 7,985,500 from VELUX FONDEN, which it will use to continue its targeted efforts to improve the marine environment around Denmark with the aim of restoring large and healthy fish stocks, lots of benthic fauna, wild kelp forests and rolling eelgrass meadows – and, not least, paving the way for enjoyable outdoor experiences on and in the sea.

It is happening in conjunction with the project ‘Sustainable Sea – Wonderful, Wild and Vital), which focuses on raising people’s awareness of our marine nature. And on making Danes aware of the crises being faced by the sea, while presenting solutions and encouraging people to participate in the battle for a healthier marine environment.

“The sea around Denmark has major problems with oxygen depletion, collapsed fish stocks and destroyed habitats. Therefore, we must act now, and with the very generous grant from VELUX FONDEN, we can focus on making Danes and our politicians even more aware of the crisis facing marine life,” says Maria Reumert Gjerding, President of the Danish Society for Nature Conservation.

One of the project’s aims is to ensure more sustainable and gentler fishing methods in Denmark and better protection of our important, coastal marine habitats. Among other things, efforts are needed to restore the marine ecosystem, and to ensure that the much-needed roll-out of renewable energy at sea is respectful of the marine environment and biodiversity.

At the same time, as part of the project, the Danish Society for Nature Conservation will work to garner public and political support for the 100% sustainable and ecosystem-based management of the seas around Denmark. And also for 30% of Denmark’s sea area to be effectively protected, and for 10% of this area to be strictly protected.

“Danes love the sea, which is never more than 50 km away. However, our shimmering sea shouldn’t just look nice on the surface. It should be bursting with life in all its wondrous beauty below. The grant from VELUX FONDEN can help realise this vision,” says Maria Reumert Gjerding, President of the Danish Society for Nature Conservation.

The project will help to highlight the need to rebalance the marine ecosystem and to work with concrete solutions. It will make the sea more resilient to the climate change and rising sea temperatures that the world is facing. At the same time, the aim of the project is to recognise to a much greater extent the important role played by the sea in the battle against climate change, given the huge potential it holds for the natural sequestration of CO2 in fauna and the seabed.

VELUX FONDEN has for many years been supporting marine projects that contribute to a healthy marine environment.

Charlotte Mogensen, head of VELUX FONDEN’s environmental programme, says:

“The project will result in greater focus on the sea in the population in general and politically. This much-needed attention can help to ensure a better and more resilient marine environment.”