Third LUMEN video pill with Federica Costantini on marine ecology and the ecosystem approach

Following the interviews with Avila Santamaría and Michele Carducci, the Video Pills series of the LUMEN project – Law of natUre and huMan Ecosystem approach – continues with a third episode exploring the dialogue between ecology and law. 

In this new video pill, Silvia Bagni, coordinator of the LUMEN project for the University of Bologna, interviews Federica Costantini, Associate Professor of Ecology at the same institution and head of the Ecological and Environmental Genetics Laboratory. Active in several national and European research projects, Costantini brings a scientific perspective on how the ecosystem approach can inform marine environment management. 

Drawing from her experience studying Mediterranean red coral, Costantini explains how marine science highlights the deep interconnection between living organisms, abiotic factors, and human activities. One striking example is tropical coral reefs, which protect coastlines and sustain biodiversity, demonstrating that natural conservation is often more effective and sustainable than artificial interventions. 

The interview also addresses the shortcomings of current environmental policies, stressing the need for stronger connections between scientific research, local communities, and European legislation. As Costantini argues, ecosystems are also political and legal spaces that require new tools and shared languages to be effectively protected.