ECOMPASS

The EU faces a critical implementation gap between the ambitions of the Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) and the capacity to act at scale. This gap stems from three systemic barriers: the difficulty of scaling highly localised restoration successes, fragmented and inaccessible decision-making tools, and the chronic undervaluation of ecosystems’ socio-economic benefits. ECOMPASS addresses these challenges with a co-created, web-based Decision Support System (DSS) that translates nature’s multidimensional value into clear, investable opportunities. It introduces Nature Restoration Pathways as a shared language for policy, finance, and practice, and Landscape Archetypes for Nature Restoration (LANR) as a novel approach to scaling, turning lessons from local cases into replicable, continent-wide strategies. The project grounds its innovations in six diverse Use Cases: restoring tidal saltmarshes in Cantabria (Spain), rethinking post-Xylella agroforestry in Salento (Italy), transforming climate-stressed spruce forests in Germany, regenerating semi-arid drylands in southern Spain, restore natural hydrology of drained wet forests in Estonia, and implementing regenerative rice production coupled with ecosystem resilience in Ebro Delta (Spain). Together, these cases cover estuarine, agricultural, forest, dryland, and wetland ecosystems under high socio-ecological pressure, representing different and heterogenous targets of NRR articles 4-6, 9-12 and 13. By integrating biophysical modelling with socio-economic valuation—including non-monetary benefits—ECOMPASS delivers tailored outputs: policy monitoring, bankable metrics, and practical guidance. ECOMPASS is a catalyst for aligning Europe’s policies, finances, and visions towards ecological recovery. By making the true value of nature understandable, visible, and investable, ECOMPASS provides the essential framework to ensure the NRR becomes a reality of a sustainable future and prosperity for all.