The marine reforestation activities have successfully off the northern coast of Sardinia, in Santa Teresa Gallura, as part of the European Interreg Euro-MED ARTEMIS project.
The intervention took place within the Capo Testa – Punta Falcone Marine Protected Area, one of the project’s four pilot sites and an associated partner. Activities are coordinated by the technical team of MEDSEA Foundation, led by marine biologist Francesca Frau, in close collaboration with the MPA staff under the direction of Yuri Donno.
Santa Teresa Gallura – Capo Testa Punta Falcone MPA
Focus of the intervention
Scientific diving operators have begun collecting and transplanting cuttings of Posidonia oceanica into degraded seagrass areas that were previously mapped and identified as suitable for restoration.These seabed areas are significantly impacted by human activities, particularly boating.
The team transplanted over 2,000 cuttings to restore approximately 200 square meters of seagrass meadow.
The planting process involved the use of small stakes that anchor the cuttings to the seabed, allowing them to root over time.
Posidonia oceanica meadows are powerful blue carbon sinks, produce large amounts of oxygen, and play a crucial role in marine biodiversity and coastal protection. The initiative in Santa Teresa Gallura contributes to a broader strategic action aimed at demonstrating the ecological and economic value of marine ecosystems, while promoting public policies and private investment in nature conservation.
Francesca Frau (MEDSEA ARTEMIS lead) stated:
“These meadows are true biodiversity hotspots and powerful allies in the fight against climate change thanks to their extraordinary capacity to sequester carbon. The work we are carrying out within the Capo Testa MPA, in the municipality of Santa Teresa Gallura, shows how collaboration between institutions, scientific research and local communities can translate into effective actions for marine conservation.”
Francesca Frau (MEDSEA) Posidonia restoration in – Capo testa Punta Falcone MPA | ARTEMIS
Yuri Donno (Director of Capo Testa – Punta Falcone MPA) added:
“The collaboration with MEDSEA and the ARTEMIS project allows us to take concrete action in areas degraded by human pressure, restoring vitality to one of the most valuable ecosystems of our sea. However, this alone is not enough if we do not also work on prevention. For this reason, thanks to PNRR MER funding, we have planned the installation of 150 mooring buoys across the MPA, providing sustainable anchoring points and protecting the seabed.”
Yuri Donno (Capo Testa Punta Falcone MPA director) | ARTEMIS
