We are thrilled to announce our newest project: RESPOSCY – REStoring POSidonia oceanica meadows of CYprus – the first national initiative focused on restoring Cyprus’s seagrass ecosystems.

Aligned with the EU Nature Restoration Law and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, this project addresses the urgent need to revive Posidonia oceanica meadows—essential habitats that support biodiversity, improve water quality, store carbon, and protect coastlines.

Project highlights:

• Identify key threats and restoration sites through mapping and assessment
• Perform restoration trials at three sites using 3,000 cuttings and biodegradable materials
• Establish long-term monitoring with photogrammetry and 3D modeling
• Train 100 volunteer divers as “Posidonia Gardeners” to support restoration and monitoring
• Engage the public through educational materials, videos, and outreach to 30,000+ citizens
• Deliver practical tools: Maps of high-risk areas, transplant protocols, a national restoration plan and a scalable model for the Eastern Mediterranean.

RESPOSCY supports Cyprus in meeting its EU and international environmental commitments, while strengthening marine stewardship and resilience.

Partners:

Led by MER Lab in collaboration with:

• Frederick Research Center (FRC)
• Cyprus University of Technology (CUT)
• University of Genova (UNIGE)

Funded by the Research & Innovation Foundation (RIF) under the Excellence Hubs program.

Learn more about the project here: REStoring POSidonia oceanica meadows of CYprus (RESPOSCY)