Blue Forest: the largest marine reforestation in the Mediterranean in Sardinia

A research project initiated by One Ocean Foundation that will affect 80 hectares of seabed

Protection of the marine environment takes a decisive step with the expansion of the Blue Forest project in Cala di Volpe Bay, sponsored by One Ocean Foundation. This is the most extensive marine reforestation initiative in the Mediterranean Sea, with the aim of restoring and protecting Posidonia oceanica, an endemic plant that is fundamental to the balance of the marine ecosystem.

The new intervention affects an area of about 80 hectares of damaged seabed, located within the buoy field of Cala di Volpe, in the municipality of Arzachena. Right here, more than 20 years ago, Smeralda Holding had initiated an initial environmental protection project through the regulation of nautical access, limiting anthropic pressure on the Posidonia meadow. Today, that commitment is renewed and expanded through a collaborative network of science, institutions and businesses. At the forefront: the University of Sassari, the International School for Scientific Diving (I.S.S.D.), and partners such as Pirelli and Smeralda Holding.

Posidonia oceanica is an internationally protected marine plant that is critical for preserving biodiversity, producing oxygen, and combating climate change because of its ability to store carbon dioxide in marine sediments. Its seagrass beds function as true natural barriers against coastal erosion and are home to more than 350 marine species.

Caretta caretta, One Ocean Foundation

The phases of the Blue Forest project in Sardinia

The Blue Forest project, scientifically coordinated by Prof. Giulia Ceccherelli of the University of Sassari and technically by Dr. Stefano Acunto (I.S.S.D.), is distinguished by its experimental and scientifically rigorous approach.

1. Mapping the area

The intervention area was mapped using advanced technologies (Side Scan Sonar, ROV and scuba diving) to obtain a detailed map of the state of the grassland. The mapping was conducted by the university spin-off Geomars led by Prof. Vincenzo Pascucci.

2. Marine reforestation

Already 500 square meters of Posidonia have been transplanted, thanks to the use of coconut fiber bio mats housing about 20 cuttings per square meter. The cuttings come from naturally uprooted plants or beached fruit collected after recent winter blooms.

3. Research and monitoring

A three-year monitoring phase is planned to assess prairie growth and impact on biodiversity, using innovative tools such as ecoacoustics and artificial intelligence for environmental analysis.

Delphinus (ph. Luca Bittau)

"Cala di Volpe and the entire coastline of the Municipality of Arzachena are areas of great environmental value: a delicate ecosystem to be protected on the beach as well as in the seabed. The protection of Posidonia oceanica is a concrete action to preserve the identity of the area given its role in protecting against coastal erosion. This project combines the efforts of scientists, private companies, and foundations in a virtuous synergy, our Authority can only espouse and support the initiative," said Arzachena Mayor Roberto Ragnedda.

A vision also shared by Mario Ferraro, CEO of Smeralda Holding, who commented, "For many years Smeralda Holding has been investing in sustainability and the protection of the marine ecosystem with concrete actions, such as the installation of the buoy field in Cala di Volpe a project born 20 years ago, which represented a first effective step in the protection of our seabed and posidonia, regulating access to the bay. Preserving and protecting the land and the sea is a priority goal of ours, as is the search for new forms and applications of this commitment, and the Blue Forest posidonia reforestation project-which we shared from the beginning-is a tangible example of this."

Launched in 2023, Blue Forest now has six active sites between Liguria, Puglia and Sardinia, and involves universities, research centers and companies. The One Ocean Foundation's goal is to create a scalable model that can be exported to other Mediterranean contexts.

As Jan Pachner, secretary general of the Foundation, concludes, "The expansion of the Blue Forest project to Sardinia is an important step in our journey to protect marine ecosystems and recognize the value of blue natural capital."