The dried Posidonia leaves that naturally accumulate on beaches are not, as people tend to think, trash that should be disposed of. The mats (or “banquettes”) that form when seagrasses wash up on shore act as a natural shield against erosion: protecting shorelines, enhancing biodiversity, and contributing to healthy coastal ecosystems.

Within the sea, Posidonia meadows serve as natural water purification filters; sources of food and protection for marine life; and one of the most effective carbon sinks in the Mediterranean. Seagrasses are, in general, one of the most important but threatened ecosystems in the world.

This short video acts as a PSA encouraging residents of and visitors to Greek islands to leave seagrass where it belongs to encourage healthy natural beaches. It is also an open call to Greek citizens, institutions, and organizations to sign the GISA Pledge and become part of the alliance for the protection of Posidonia.

The Greek Islands Seagrass Alliance is a pioneering five-year program which aspires to be the first coordinated nationwide effort to protect seagrass meadows through the collaboration of scientific bodies, environmental organizations, local governments, businesses and citizens.

The program is designed and coordinated by the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF), in collaboration with the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), the Ionian Environment Foundation (IEF), the Argosaronic Environment Foundation (AEF), and Aenaos Thalassa, with the support of Seacology.