In the framework of the Interreg Med project Posbemed, that is addressing the challenges and opportunities related to the management of Posidonia beach/dunes systems in the Mediterranean, IUCN-Med has coordinated a guide, in collaboration with the partners of the project, on how to manage beaches with seagrass banquettes in the Mediterranean.

Posidonia loses its leaves regularly throughout the year, and the leaves and plants removed during this natural shedding are transported onshore by wave action and high water levels associated with storm surges and strong onshore winds. Such accumulation of seagrass deposits on the beaches has become a major issue for some local authorities. Removing the Posidonia banquettes poses an range of challenges, but also implies substantial economic costs and impacts on the ecosystem.

The aim of this transnational strategy is to bridge the gap on knowledge and its implications for management decisions to help local users and decision makers to adopt more informed and sound decisions. Local governents are in the best position to lead the sustainability and ensure the resilience of the coastal environment with Posidonia meadows. The recommendations presented in this publication will be useful in helping them, as well as other regional practitioners, to understand their role in building environmentally sound sustainable practices and working wirh a range of stakeholders groups in order to progress the actions for this strategy.

This project is led by the Entente Interdépartementale de Démoustication Méditerranée (EID-MED, France) and involves four other partners from the Mediterranean basin: the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, the IMC Foundation- International Marine Centre in Sardinia (Italy), ECO-logica srl in Puglia (Italy) and the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR, Greece).

The publication is available in 4 languages (EN, ES, FR, GR)

For further information: Mar Otero

Photo: ©IUCN-Med