Posidonia forests at risk in Sardinia, 20 thousand seedlings planted
The goal is to introduce one million new seedlings into the ecosystem by 2030
There are 170 thousand hectares of Posidonia oceanica meadows in Sardinia . But 14% (more than 20 thousand hectares) is damaged. Blame for irregular anchorages, trawling, coastal development with the construction of ports, dams, breakwaters. So here is the possible rebirth: in 2022 20 thousand new plants will be planted on an area of 1,000 square meters. But the goal is much more ambitious: one million new seedlings by 2030.
ACTIVITIES - The work, in collaboration with the Marine Protected Area , has already begun off the Sinis Peninsula , with the ongoing restoration of an area of 350 square meters with approximately 7,000 plants. The second and third phases will start shortly: 250 square meters in Villasimius , in the protected marine area of Capo Carbonara, and 400 square meters in Domus de Maria .
The activities are part of the campaign launched by the Medsea Foundation , committed to the protection and conservation of the marine and coastal ecosystems of the Mediterranean, for the restoration of the marine posidonia forests on the island.
"The project ' A marine forest to save the Planet ' - explains President Alessio Satta - intends to restore at least 5 thousand hectares of degraded grasslands in the Mediterranean Sea by 2050. For this we appeal to companies, public and private bodies and institutions that want to commit in long-range environmental sustainability projects and to protect the environment and especially our precious sea ".
PREVENTION - Protecting marine forests is as important as defending terrestrial ones: they are habitat for settlement, shelter, nourishment, reproduction area and development of fish, reduce coastal erosion, absorb C02. "Intervening on damaged Posidonia oceanica meadows before there is an emergency is certainly the best way to prevent it - explains Francesca Frau , Medsea marine biologist - The loss of Posidonia is immense damage considering that this plant grows just 1-2 cm per year. . Our work consists in finding the best area to recreate the forest through the use of an underwater drone. We then proceed with the reforestation and for 5 years we monitor the growth of the plants ".
(Unioneonline / vl)
