Land, Water and Ocean Environments

Research that informs approaches to environmental management.

The Land, Water and Ocean Environments cluster undertakes research that informs approaches to environmental management to improve nature recovery and ecosystem service delivery across terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems. Much of this work involves interdisciplinary research across both natural and social sciences. Research teams include social scientists, geographers, data scientists and ecologists working on diverse topics.

Areas of research

  • Nature based solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss
  • Ocean’s challenges – pollution, coastal protection, ocean literacy and the sustainable exploitation of marine resources
  • Afforestation and resilient treescapes
  • Rewilding and living with ‘wilder’ nature
  • Environmental land management
  • Ecological impact assessment
  • Water justice – security, safety, equality in water access and water protection
  • Inclusive, equitable and participatory governance of natural resources
  • Natural capital conservation in conflict zones
  • Sustainability in production of non-food products from natural resources – e.g. flowers, textiles, furniture, cellulose plastic etc.

Sustainable Development Goals

Set by the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.

  • GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  • GOAL 13: Climate Action
  • GOAL 14: Life Below Water
  • GOAL 15: Life on Land
  • GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the goal

Related research projects

View current research projects related to Land, Water and Ocean Environments cluster.

  • DEFRA Research Development and Evidence Framework Research (2021-2024)

    DEFRA Research Development and Evidence Framework Research (2021-2024)

    The CCRI are currently involved in an on-going series of themed research projects under the DEFRA Research and Experimental Development (R&D) Framework.

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  • Evaluating the contribution of Fisheries Management Plans Toward Ocean Sustainability

    Evaluating the contribution of Fisheries Management Plans Toward Ocean Sustainability

    This project will involve an independent, process, impact and value for money evaluation of the FMP programme and of the development and implementation of FMPs in England and FMPs jointly delivered by England and Wales. 

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  • Land Use Platform A Holistic Assessment of Agriculture and Land Use Strategies to Achieve Net Zero

    Land Use Platform A Holistic Assessment of Agriculture and Land Use Strategies to Achieve Net Zero

    This study aims to identify current evidence in the land use and agricultural sectors, and evidence gaps in order to frame and develop a much larger programme of research.

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