News

In recent days, restoration operations of Posidonia oceanica meadows have been completed off the coast of the Municipality of Domus de Maria, within the newly established Capo Spartivento Marine Protected Area (MPA). 

The intervention, led and coordinated by the specialized technical team of the MEDSEA Foundation, took place between the end of May and the beginning of June, covering an area of 400 m² of seabed and involving the transplantation of around 4,000 cuttings in degraded zones previously identified through scientific surveys. 

Posidonia oceanica: a key Mediterranean ecosystem 

Posidonia oceanica meadows are among the most vital ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea. They play a crucial role in oxygen production, coastal protection from erosion, carbon absorption, and serve as nurseries for numerous marine species. Restoring these habitats is therefore essential to preserving marine biodiversity and protecting the coastal environment. 

An area of outstanding ecological value 

The Capo Spartivento Marine Protected Area, officially established in 2024, spans about 12 square kilometers along the coast of Domus de Maria. It is a site of remarkable ecological value and a highly appreciated destination for beach and nautical tourism. 

The MPA serves as a refuge for marine and coastal biodiversity, hosting many species of ecological importance. It acts as an ecological corridor between marine and terrestrial environments, facilitating species migration and reproduction. The area also plays a key role in maintaining the sedimentary and oceanographic balance of nearby beaches, thanks to the continuity between underwater and coastal habitats and the presence of extensive dune systems. 

"This Posidonia meadow restoration project marks a crucial step in the protection of our marine heritage," said Maria Concetta Spada, Mayor of Domus de Maria. "The creation of the Capo Spartivento Marine Protected Area is a major milestone—yet it is also just the beginning of a new phase of concrete conservation efforts like this one. This natural treasure must be preserved for future generations, through a careful balance between environmental conservation and sustainable tourism development." 

Gianluca Ambu, technical coordinator of the Environment Office at the Municipality of Domus de Maria, added: 
“Restoring the Posidonia meadows is an important first step in giving real value to the marine area and initiating active, community-driven management of our sea.” 

Francesca Frau, Head of the Marine Unit at MEDSEA and marine biologist, explained: "Each individual shoot is carefully placed in degraded areas identified during preliminary surveys, which highlighted the most critical zones. This is a delicate but essential operation to restore the integrity of this vital habitat—our sea’s green lung and an irreplaceable stronghold of Mediterranean biodiversity." 

A forest under the sea for the planet 

The restoration effort in Domus de Maria is part of the MEDSEA Foundation’s global campaign "A Sea Forest to Save the Planet", which aims to regenerate degraded marine ecosystems across the Mediterranean basin. The initiative promotes collaborative models between science, institutions, local communities, and businesses to jointly address the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. 

This intervention is also part of a broader conservation and enhancement strategy for the Capo Spartivento MPA, which aspires to become a model for the sustainable management of marine resources, combining biodiversity protection with high-quality tourism offerings, fully aligned with the region’s unique natural heritage.