The Mediterranean Posidonia Network was established in 2019 following the EU meeting Anchors Away, held in Athens, Greece. The meeting brought together diverse stakeholders to address the issue of unregulated anchoring of boats on Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows across the Mediterranean. It was there that the idea for the network was born: to ensure continued collaboration among stakeholders in protecting Posidonia meadows.
Today, the Mediterranean Posidonia Network counts around 60 members – including representatives from the European Commission and relevant authorities, scientists and experts, marine protected area managers, as well as NGOs, shipping agencies, and marinas – from 15 countries. The network is coordinated by the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB), the Balearic Islands Government, RAC/SPA, WWF, IUCN Med, MedPAN, Whitesand Solutions, and Blue Seeds.
Posidonia meadows are declining at an alarming rate due to human activities and climate change. Since healthy Posidonia meadows and thriving marine ecosystems are vital to all of us, we must work together to protect them from extinction. Everyone can become a Posidonia keeper!
To protect and preserve Posidonia oceanica, network members work together on:
- monitoring the status of seagrass meadows and the pressures they face, with a focus on anchoring
- developing new, or strengthening existing, legal frameworks to better regulate free anchoring in Mediterranean countries
- establishing environmentally friendly anchorages
- raising awareness at local, national, and international levels about the importance of protecting Posidonia oceanica.
Sunce has been an active member of this network from the very beginning. Membership helps us strengthen our capacity to protect Posidonia from further degradation, exchange experiences and knowledge with other members, and jointly carry out the network’s advocacy and communication activities.