Marine Forest, a project by Redeia and Ecomar

It is a phanerogam plant, also known as a seed plant, consisting of roots, rhizomes—which grow both horizontally and vertically—, and ribbon-like leaves that can reach up to one metre in length. It blooms in autumn and yields fruits in spring that float in the water and are commonly known as sea olives. It forms underwater meadows and colonises environments that algae would struggle to occupy.

The role of posidonia meadows in controlling coastal erosion, carbon sequestration, and water purification makes them one of the most valuable coastal systems for restoration. However, this is not easily achieved in the short term. The plant's growth is so slow that a restored meadow will only reach the size of the original ecosystem after several centuries. In the image, a biologist collects fragments to use in restoring meadows. Image of fragment collection

The origin of the Marine Forest platform lies in the initiative developed by Red Eléctrica in Mallorca following the interconnection construction between the island and Ibiza. Since its start in 2014, this innovation project has focused on the use of seeds and fragments for seagrass meadow restoration, the recovery of two hectares in Pollença, and a comprehensive education and scientific outreach programme. In the image, a project technician prepares plants for insertion in Pollença.

In the image, Theresa Zabell, president of the Ecomar Foundation, and Miryam Aguilar (centre), Corporate Director of External Relations, Communication, and Territory at Redeia, with the professionals managing the Marine Forest platform, on the day of the agreement signing at Redeia's premises in Madrid.

The Marine Forest platform aligns with the new Nature Restoration Law. This is the first regulation in the history of the European Union that requires countries to restore nature, not just protect it. Its aim is to halt nature degradation, achieve climate neutrality, and strengthen Europe's readiness and resilience against the effects of climate change. In the image, a posidonia nursery before planting.

Raising awareness and educating citizens is one of the key actions of the Marine Forest platform. This line of action follows the path that Redeia and Ecomar have been developing to raise awareness among younger generations. Redeia, through the 'Posidònia a l'Aula' programme, focused on primary, secondary, and high school students. Ecomar launched the 'Cuaderno de Bitácora,' 'Centros Grímpola,' and 'Taller Azul' initiatives. In the image: participants of the 2023-2024 'Posidònia a l’Aula' programme.

The Marine Forest platform will use the technique developed by Red Eléctrica in the Balearic Islands to restore Posidonia meadows. This method has achieved a 95% survival rate for planted fragments. The process starts with the collection of foliar bundles from natural fragmentation caused by marine dynamics, followed by the processing of the specimens in the laboratory. It concludes with the planting of each fragment on the seabed through anchoring, with subsequent monitoring and tracking. In the image, Posidonia planting in Mallorca.

The project includes an R&D phase to advance in vitro micropropagation techniques for Posidonia explants. This will help identify the best cultivation methods for the plant's long-term survival and test its acclimation under controlled conditions to assess the feasibility of reintroducing the explants into their natural environment. In the image, a diver collecting scientific data on Posidonia restored by Redeia in the bay of Pollença (Mallorca).

While the Marine Forest platform is being launched with an initial project to restore Posidonia on the Alicante coast, its ultimate goal is to expand its scope both to other geographical areas and to other marine species. To achieve this, it needs new alliances with partners and collaborators committed to conserving our seas and oceans, who can join in executing the projects. In the image, posidonia fragments ready for planting.