Safeguarding seagrass, superhero of the Mediterranean
Seacology has launched a national initiative in Greece to protect an unsung ecological superhero: seagrass. The Greek Islands Seagrass Alliance will shine light on the incredible ecological value of seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) throughout 227 Greek islands.
Seagrasses—the only flowering plants that grow underwater—sequester more carbon than rainforests, form the foundation of marine habitats, improve water quality, and protect coastlines. Posidonia is critical to the health of the Mediterranean. But it’s disappearing rapidly there and around the world.
Our primary partner in Greece, the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF), is concentrating on education and outreach, because many people don’t realize just how important Posidonia is. A Seacology delegation recently met with CPF staff to officially launch the initiative in Athens, and then got to see their work in action.
On the Cyclades island of Paros, at Paros Park, home to a lovely cove and historic monastery, a “Day in the Park” event showcased local conservation initiatives. It was a great example of CPF’s hands-on outreach with local partners to raise awareness about Posidonia. There were lots of activities for kids, including water sports, a running race, and crafts. We talked with community leaders who expressed a strong commitment to protecting Posidonia.
Posidonia banquettes line Molos Beach, which helps stabilize the shoreline and fight erosion.
Seagrass forms dense balls, which filter out microplastics and other pollutants.
At beautiful Molos Beach, we met with a small community group that is passionate about protecting the area’s habitat, including its rich beds of Posidonia. The beach and dunes were evidence of the importance of Posidonia “banquettes,” dried seagrass that washes ashore and helps to hold the sand in place, making a more resilient coastline. We also saw Posidonia balls—big spherical masses of dried plant material that trap microplastics and other debris.
On Naxos Island, we visited a local wildlife organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured wild animals, including raptors, sea turtles, and even hedgehogs. We also visited a green sea turtle nest, where hatchlings had emerged a few days earlier. It’s unusual for these large sea turtles to nest in the region, so the organization did its best to protect the nest. The presence of the turtles—which rely on seagrass for food—is a good indicator of healthy Posidonia.
Our partners make a presentation to an elementary school class on Naxos Island.
A student art project depicts the threats to seagrass.
Our final stop was in the island’s hilly interior, at the village of Filoti. The elementary school there focuses on environmental education, and CPF has collaborated with them to teach students about the importance of Posidonia. The schoolkids talked about Posidonia and performed a skit, creating waves of undulating blue cloth and swaying like seagrass through it. They clearly understand the importance of seagrass–and even more important, are excited and determined to protect the natural heritage of their island environment.
Karen Peterson oversees Seacology’s nationwide programs and work in Africa.