The SERE 2026 conference is an adventure that brings together a large number of partners. Led by the University of Brest's Geoarchitecture Laboratory and in close collaboration with SER-Europe and the 'REVER' network, this 15th edition of the SERE conference draws on the expertise of partner organisations specialising in terrestrial and marine ecology,to deliver an unforgettable experience. Take the time to get to know them — it's time to strengthen our networks!
-
ORGANISERS
-
University of Brest and its Laboratoire Geoarchitecture
The University of Brest, also known as the University of Western Brittany, is located in the far west of France. It is a multidisciplinary university with 23,000 students, and has numerous partnerships with local public and private stakeholders.
The university is involved in a national network and research programme on ecological restoration, particularly through the "Laboratoire Géoarchitecture" research team, which is the main organiser of the conference. The university is also internationally recognised in marine sciences and is part of the SEA-EU network.
Since the early 2000s, the Laboratoire Géoarchitecture has been conducting research in the field of restoration ecology and has established a broad network of academic and non-academic partners. Its research on restoration and related topics focuses particularly on heathlands, peatlands, wetlands (both continental and coastal), and urban areas.
Since 2023, the Laboratoire leads the Interreg North Sea project called 'DARKER SKY', due to finish in 2026. On Tuesday 25th August, the final restoration seminar of this project will be incorporated into SERE 2026 as a special symposium. This will enable the conference to address a topic that is not widely covered: the restoration of ecological infrastructures, particularly dark infrastructure. Entrance will be free!
The Laboratoire Géoarchitecture is coordinating the organisation of the conference as the lead partner.
European Society for Ecological Restoration – SER Europe
The European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SERE) is a pan-European network of ecological restoration scientists and practitioners, including national organisations and private companies specialising in restoration. For this 15th edition of its biannual conference, SER Europe entrusted the University of Brest with making it a memorable event.
French Network on Ecological Restoration – REVER
REVER is the French network for ecological restoration and is affiliated with SER-Europe. It brings together various stakeholders in ecological restoration, including researchers, practitioners and students. REVER contributes to the dissemination of information, particularly through organising an annual conference. It also participates in national debates.
REVER is involved in the organisation of the conference, providing practical and scientific support, and ensuring its national dissemination.
-
SUPPORTERS & PARTNERS
-
French Ministry of Ecology
The Water and Biodiversity Direction (DEB) of the French Ministry of Ecology supports the project and sees the conference as an important event and especially as an opportunity for international exchange on the implementation of the National Restoration Plan.
French Biodiversity Agency – OFB
The French Biodiversity Agency (OFB) is a public institution dedicated to protecting and restoring biodiversity in metropolitan France and its overseas territories. It operates under the supervision of the Ministries of Ecology and Agriculture and Food.
One of the OFB's national agencies, responsible for marine biodiversity, is located in Brest, enabling direct participation in the organisation of the conference.
The OFB's participation and the Ministry of Ecology's support will help to make the conference a national event integrated into the French national political agenda.
Forum des Marais Atlantiques – FMA
The Forum des Marais Atlantiques (FMA) was established in the 1990s based on the shared belief of its founders that a mediation space was required to promote the sustainable management of wetlands, address the ongoing conflicts of use in these man-made areas and reconcile human activities with effective water management in terms of both quality and quantity.
To achieve these objectives, the FMA works in three main areas using a multidisciplinary approach:
- increasing and disseminating knowledge about wetlands;
- providing methodological and technical advice to project leaders;
- animating networks and communities of public and private actors in territories concerned with the conservation of wetlands.
For SERE 2026, the FMA shares its expertise in wetland restoration and helps integrate various stakeholders.
Brest Métropole – BM
Brest Métropole is a close partner of the university of Brest, working together on various topics related to ecological restoration, particularly focusing on two key areas: the restoration of urban wetlands, in which its Urban Ecology Service has extensive experience, and the reduction of light pollution, an area in which Brest Métropole has a proactive approach, particularly within the framework of European projects.
Within the SERE 2026 conference, Brest Métropole provides logistical and financial support for the conference, as well as sharing its experience of restoring wetlands and ecological networks.
Parc Naturel Régional d’Armorique – PNRA
The Regional Natural Park of Armorique (PNRA) is a key and historical player in the preservation of biodiversity in Finistère. It develops and supports ecological restoration practices throughout its territory, including both coastal areas and the Monts d'Arrée. Its actions reflect the diversity of environments it hosts, ranging from moist bogs and moors to coastal and marine environments, and from de-resination to the restoration of oyster populations.
The PNRA provides territorial anchoring for the conference and plays a key role in organising field visits to showcase regional expertise in ecological restoration.
Institut Agro Rennes – INRAE
The UM DECOD research teams at INRAE/Institut Agro (Rennes) are conducting research into wetland restoration. They are particularly involved in research programmes following the removal of two large dams on the River Sélune in Normandy. At the national level, an INRAE internal working group coordinates and leads activities on restoration ecology.
Both Institut Agro and INRAE contribute to the organisation of the conference, particularly with regard to the post-conference trip, and mobilise their researchers and networks at national and European levels.
IFREMER – IUEM
The French Institute of Marine Sciences, known as IFREMER, is located in Brest and is particularly associated with UBO through the European Institute of Marine Studies (IUEM). Within this framework, researchers conduct marine restoration research through various programmes. They also contribute to organising a national workshop on marine and coastal restoration, working alongside the OFB and members of the Laboratoire Géoarchitecture.
IFREMER's involvement provides an opportunity to explore marine restoration topics during the conference and establish links with specialised networks.
Conservatoire Botanique National de Brest – CBN
The National Botanic Conservatory of Brest is one of the oldest in France and the world. Its main aim is to conserve rare and endangered plant species, both in situ and ex situ. Ecological restoration has recently been included in the Conservatory's mission, as it is essential to re-establish favourable conditions for these species.
As a local partner, the CBNB is actively contributing to the organisation of the conference, while also strengthening its links with national and international networks of botanical gardens and conservatories.
