Accelerating the Restoration of Seagrass Meadows in the Mediterranean area through Innovative ecosystem-service based Solutions

The main objective of the ARTEMIS project is to restore and conserve seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean region. This goal is pursued by developing and implementing innovative restoration protocols and integrating ecosystem service values into financial and policy frameworks. By fostering transnational cooperation and engaging multiple Mediterranean stakeholders, ARTEMIS seeks to ensure the sustainable management of seagrass habitats 

Today, 1.2 million hectares of seagrass meadows span the Euro-MED coastlines. Despite their importance, seagrasses are often overlooked, with nearly 7% lost annually due to fish farming, bottom trawling, anchoring, coastal erosion, and nutrient runoff.

ARTEMIS aims to restore these meadows by incorporating the financial and societal benefits of seagrass ecosystems into public and private policies and investments. It uses advanced restoration techniques and innovative Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes.

Four transnational pilot projects involve public authorities, research centers, NGOs, SMEs,  in all stages of restoration, from transplantation to enhancement and policy development.