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The MEDSEA Foundation is the scientific partner of Nivea for the Posidonia oceanica seagrass reforestation project "Oasi Marina" by NIVEA, which this year involves the Marine Protected Area "Regno di Nettuno" on the Island of Ischia. 

The intervention involves planting approximately 2,000 Posidonia oceanica cuttings in a degraded marine meadow of 200 square meters in the locality of Lacco Ameno. 

In Ischia, at the end of May, the project was presented at a press conference with marketing and business representatives from Southern Europe of Beiersdorf company (Nivea), researchers from the Kingdom of Neptune marine protected area, and the marine team of the MEDSEA Foundation. 

"This repopulation intervention represents an important step for the regeneration of Ischia's marine ecosystem," explains Francesca Frau, Marine Biologist and Head of MEDSEA's Marine Unit. "Our transplantation technique, perfected through years of interventions in different areas of the Mediterranean, guarantees optimal long-term results." 

The MEDSEA Foundation will apply its consolidated scientific methodology, which involves the exclusive use of naturally uprooted cuttings, collected for example after strong storms, to ensure maximum respect for the existing ecosystem, anchoring through small removable anchoring stakes, which allow the cuttings to root according to their natural biological timing. The careful selection of the intervention area between 5 and 15 meters depth is based on pre-evaluation studies conducted in recent weeks, to guarantee the success of the operation. Last but not least, a continuous monitoring program will follow to verify the success of the intervention and the state of the installation over time. 

With "Marine Oasis," in previous editions, 5,000 plants were planted between Palmaria and Elba in 2023 and an experimental seeding of over 1,000 seeds was also carried out at Torre Guaceto in 2024. 

"It is with great pride that for the third consecutive year we dedicate ourselves to the Marine Oasis project, a concrete symbol of our attention to the environment and the protection of the extraordinary biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea floor. This initiative is part of a broader path that has seen us as protagonists for years in promoting sustainable practices, starting from the choice of ingredients and formulations that respect not only the skin but also nature. NIVEA SUN sunscreens, in fact, guarantee safe protection from harmful UV rays and contain ingredients of natural origin designed to reduce the impact on the marine ecosystem" – states Anna Grassano, General Manager Beiersdorf Southern Europe, who continues: "All this is made possible thanks to the constant work of our scientists, who every day develop innovative solutions in the field of skin care. For us, innovation also means progress oriented towards the well-being of people, skin and the planet. In this we are guided by our global mission CARE BEYOND SKIN, which inspires us to take concrete actions every day in favor of society, its communities and the environment." 

"The AMP Kingdom of Neptune is pleased to host this marine meadow regeneration project, extremely important for our ecosystem," declares the Director of the Marine Protected Area Antonino Miccio. "The collaboration with MEDSEA will allow us to strengthen the protection of biodiversity in the waters of Lacco Ameno, confirming our commitment to safeguarding the marine naturalistic heritage of the islands of Ischia and Procida, for the benefit of the environment and local communities." 

MEDSEA's Mission for the Mediterranean 

The MEDSEA Foundation, based in Cagliari, confirms itself as a reference point for the restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea. The collaboration with NIVEA and the Marine Protected Area "Regno di Nettuno" is part of the broader mission "A Marine Forest to Save the Planet," which aims to recover, protect and regenerate Posidonia oceanica meadows, the true "lung of the Mediterranean" capable of producing oxygen up to four times more than terrestrial forests. 

Posidonia oceanica meadows play a crucial role in the fight against climate change, acting as important carbon sinks, contributing to the stabilization of marine bottoms. MEDSEA's work in Ischia directly contributes to the preservation of these vital ecosystems, supporting marine biodiversity and the resilience of the Mediterranean coastal environment. 

The MEDSEA Foundation thus continues its scientific and operational commitment to safeguarding the Mediterranean natural heritage, carrying forward concrete projects that combine advanced research, innovative techniques and strategic partnerships with companies and private entities for the protection of our seas.