IUCN Med and OMODA&JAECOO launch collaboration in Cabo de Gata to support seagrass conservation

This initiative is part of the global agreement signed between IUCN and the Chery Group to promote nature conservation under the motto Cherish Nature, with actions planned in several countries, including Spain.

The Andalusian coast has been identified as one of the priority areas for action due to the ecological importance of its Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows and the growing threats they face, such as illegal anchoring, tourism pressure, and rising sea temperatures. In this context, the project in Spain focuses on passive restoration and sustainable management of seagrass meadows, an essential ecosystem for marine biodiversity and coastal resilience to climate change.

The launch event, designed as a volunteering activity, marked the beginning of a series of actions to be carried out in the coming months aimed at improving the conservation of these habitats through Nature-based Solutions.

During the activity, the OMODA&JAECOO team, guided by experts, learned first-hand about the natural values of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park and, in particular, the ecological significance of the Posidonia oceanica meadows and their associated fauna, with special attention to commercially important species. The event also featured marine biologist, science communicator, and content creator Charlie Sarria, who shared the experience with his online community, helping raise awareness about marine conservation efforts.

"This project was designed with the oversight of the Andalusian regional government and the park authorities. With Chery’s support, we hope it will become a model that inspires new public-private partnerships committed to marine conservation and citizen participation in protecting the Mediterranean’s natural heritage," said Mercedes Muñoz Cañas, Marine Programme Coordinator at the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation.

For her part, Marianna Cherubini, Marketing Director of OMODA & JAECOO in Spain, stated: “Our group’s support for the protection of Posidonia oceanica is yet another example of Chery Group’s commitment to sustainable mobility and environmental protection in the face of increasing threats.”

This event marks the beginning of a series of activities planned for 2025, 2026, and 2027, including the installation of ecological mooring systems, development of co-management agreements with local stakeholders, blue financing mechanisms, awareness-raising and communication actions, and training workshops targeting local institutions and associations. These efforts complement various initiatives already underway by regional and local authorities to conserve the Andalusian coastline.