Marine Ecosystems Preservation Project In Italy

Projects

Repopulating sea grasslands

Underwater reforestation, a challenge we pursue in the Mediterranean in collaboration with Worldrise ONLUS to recreate lost habitats and raise awareness on the importance of defending our seas.

WHERE

Mediterranean sea

MAIN THREATS

Sea temperature rise, pollution and overfishing

TREES PLANTED

Posidonia oceanica

PARTNER

Worldrise ONLUS

Discover the platform

Italy

CONTEXT

The Mediterranean is one of the most exploited seas in the world.

We are not the only one who claim this: FAO says it clearly. Marine environments are a very important source of energy, food, and jobs for millions of people, but marine resources are often overexploited or disregarded.

In the Mediterranean, the surface water temperature recently reached an all-time high of +31°C, and in some areas the concentration of microplastics approaches 10 kg per square kilometer. Posidonia oceanica is a plant species exclusive to the Mediterranean, and in the last 50 years 29% of its seagrass beds have regressed because of excessive human activities and their impact on the marine ecosystem. More Posidonia in the sea means up to 14 liters of oxygen released every day through photosynthesis for each square meter of seagrass. It also means more biodiversity in the marine ecosystem, a brake on coastal and littoral erosion, a positive impact on the local economies, and a concrete commitment against climate change.

We bring submerged forests back to life

Collective action, from the sea to the mainland.

Our marine reforestation project takes place in different areas of the Mediterranean Sea. We collaborate with Worldrise ONLUS and several authorities to repopulate the coastal seabeds with underwater forestry.

We believe that solving complex problems such as the preservation of the marine ecosystem requires a systemic approach and multidisciplinary teams composed of institutions, experts, technicians, and activists. This is why we collaborate with Worldrise ONLUS, which develops projects for the conservation and enhancement of the marine environment with awareness, creativity, and educational solutions and is by our side in the management of this project, especially at the technical and scientific level. I.S.S.D. – International School of Scientific Diving also collaborates with us in transplanting Posidonia cuttings, which we place together with professional divers. Last but not least, we collaborate with companies like yours, whic choose to support this project because it is simply the right thing to do for the marine ecosystem, for the environment and for your business as well.

From cuttings to grasslands.

Our work begins by mapping the seabed and conducting a survey with specialized divers to verify that the selected area and its substrate are suitable for reforestation.

Reforestation is already a very complex activity on land, let alone at 10 meters below the water surface! Here are all the steps we follow to repopulate a meadow of Posidonia oceanica in the Mediterranean:

1. We choose a suitable area for the transplantation
2. We collect cuttings in the open sea*
3. We place sustainable mats on the seabed
4. We plant the cuttings on the mats
5. We take care of it over time

* We only collect cuttings already eradicated by tidal waves, without affecting pre-existing grasslands.

Oxygen for the marine ecosystem.

Posidonia meadows are among the most efficient producers of oxygen in marine ecosystems. It is estimated that a Posidonia seagrass meadow can produce up to 14 liters of oxygen per square meter per day.

Posidonia meadows are primary habitats in the Mediterranean and are home to about 25% of the marine species in this sea. Posidonia is not a seaweed, but a true plant with ribbon-like leaves that can grow up to 1 meter long, capture carbon dioxide, and release oxygen. One hectare of seagrass can host up to 350 different species, residents or migrants, providing shelter and food for crustaceans, fish, and numerous other marine species of great environmental and economic importance.

Meadows to mitigate the waves.

Posidonia roots form dense taproots that weave through the marine sediment, stabilizing the seabed. The density of the plants and their stems slows the movement of the waves, absorbing some of their energy.

This reduces the impact of waves on the coast, preventing sand loss and beach degradation. In addition to protecting biodiversity, Posidonia plants make an important contribution to protecting beaches and coasts from erosion, thanks to their roots and long ribbon-shaped leaves that mitigate wave action. Fallen Posidonia leaves and organic plant debris help form a layer of sediment on the seabed. These sediments act as a natural deposit of sand and materials, which help in the maintenance and restoration of eroded beaches.

"Our seas are a source of life, oxygen, and wonder. On the health of our seas depends the health of the planet".

Amedeo Cavalleri, storyteller in zeroCO2.