Thanks to the support of NIVEA, One Ocean Foundation has launched a research program dedicated to studying and protecting Posidonia oceanica meadows in the stunning setting of the Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area and Terrestrial Nature Reserve in Puglia. Developed with the scientific support of the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, the project aims to identify and test innovative methodsfor restoring this precious marine ecosystem.
First seed collection with community involvement
The past few weeks marked the start of the operational phase of the
:
of Torre Guaceto, and collection activities began with the active participation of
and a network of
trained by researchers from the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station (SZN).
This community involvement is a key element of the project, which seeks to bridge science, conservation, and awareness.
Tank germination and sea transplant
Some of the collected seeds will be
—specifically in a tank at the
, repurposed to hold over
containing new sprouts. The
, scheduled for August 2025, will take place in an area previously colonized by Posidonia and now suitable for restoration.
The other half of the seeds will be planted directly in the sea, allowing for a comparison between the two reforestation techniques. The anchoring supports will be made from locally sourced limestone, while the potential use of biodegradable mats will be assessed after an on-site survey to check for dead "matte" (Posidonia debris).
Blue Forest: science, community, and innovation for the Mediterranean
Made possible by
, the Blue Forest project is a prime example of
,
It’s a tangible initiative
by testing innovative, replicable solutions—paving the way
