Why Blue Carbon ecosystems matter in the Mediterranean

These are the blue carbon ecosystems - seagrass meadows, salt marshes, and coastal wetlands - that quietly capture and store vast amounts of carbon, protect coastlines from erosion, and nurture the incredible biodiversity that defines this region. Among them, the Posidonia oceanica seagrass stands as one of the Mediterranean’s most vital natural assets.

Though largely hidden beneath the waves, Posidonia meadows play an irreplaceable role. Their dense underwater prairies trap carbon in sediment layers where it can remain locked away for centuries. In fact, they are estimated to store carbon up to 30 times more efficiently than terrestrial forests. Beyond their climate function, these ecosystems offer sanctuary to countless marine species and help stabilize the coastline against storms and rising seas. Yet they face increasing pressure from anchoring, tourism development, pollution, and neglect.

A renewed push public-private collaboration: from Cabo de Gata to the global stage

In 2025, IUCN’s Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN Med) stepped up its engagement to protect these critical habitats through innovative collaborations. A new phase of collaboration with the private sector began in July 2025, when IUCN Med and OMODA/JAECoo Spain formalized their partnership under the "Cherish the Nature" initiative. Supported by the Andalusian Ministry of Sustainability, Environment and Blue Economy, this project focuses on marine and coastal conservation in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park- one of the most emblematic coastal landscapes of the western Mediterranean.

Through citizen science, education, and support for sustainable tourism, the initiative aims to engage the public and mobilize corporate responsibility in protecting blue carbon habitats. In parallel, IUCN Med is also leading a project in Aguamarga Bay, within the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, with the support of REDEIA - Spain’s national electricity grid operator - and its programme on Bosque Marino’, a complementary initiative focused on protecting Posidonia oceanica meadows through participatory governance and conflict mediation, offering another example of effective private sector collaboration to address local conservation challenges.

Building on these on-the-ground experiences, IUCN Med is now exploring how to contribute to the global 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough, a collective ambition to conserve and restore seagrass meadows worldwide. Whether through technical expertise, advocacy, or project delivery, IUCN Med is going to work to position the Mediterranean as a flagship region in this global effort.

Driving policy for blue carbon at the regional level

The momentum for blue carbon isn’t limited to fieldwork. In June 2025, IUCN Med presented the Mediterranean Blue Carbon Strategy at the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development’s Steering Committee. Developed in collaboration with regional institutions, this strategy lays out a science-based roadmap to protect, restore, and sustainably manage blue carbon ecosystems across the region. It reflects a shared recognition: these habitats are essential not just for biodiversity, but also for climate mitigation and coastal resilience.

At the regional level, IUCN Med is a vocal advocate for aligning national and local actions with broader frameworks such as the Barcelona Convention and the Union for the Mediterranean’s Blue Economy agenda. The Centre also plays a role in the Mediterranean Posidonia Network, helping countries collaborate on technical, strategic, and policy challenges related to seagrass protection.

Early steps in blue carbon action

Much of today’s progress builds on important groundwork laid in recent years to advance blue carbon action in the Mediterranean. One of the earliest milestones was the LIFE Blue Natura project in Andalusia, where IUCN Med collaborated closely with the regional government (Junta de Andalucia) and the Spanish National Research Council to develop the first pilot projects in Europe for blue carbon compensation. These efforts laid the groundwork for companies to offset their carbon emissions by investing in the conservation and restoration of seagrass and salt marsh habitats. To enable replication across the region, a comprehensive manual was published to guide the development of similar projects throughout the Mediterranean.

Another step forward came through the Interreg-Med POSBEMED projects, IUCN Med collaborated to change perceptions around Posidonia-covered beaches. Once removed as a nuisance for tourists, these natural beach wracks are now increasingly understood as critical for coastal resilience. With practical tools, case studies, and online training, IUCN Med helped local governments, tourism operators, and planners rethink how these beaches are managed, finding a balance between visitor expectations and ecosystem protection.

A decade of progress and a call to action

After more than a decade of work, blue carbon is no longer a fringe topic in the Mediterranean. Thanks to consistent scientific engagement, regional partnerships, and cross-sector dialogue, Posidonia and other blue carbon ecosystems are finally gaining the recognition and the protection they deserve.

But the challenges are not over. Climate change is accelerating, and coastal pressures continue to mount. The story of blue carbon in the Mediterranean is not only one of ecological resilience, it is also a call to action. The ecosystems we depend on to buffer our shores and cool our planet now depend on us.

* This article has been prepared to showcase the actions led by IUCN Med and its partners in the Mediterranean, in the context of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, highlighting how the region’s experience can contribute to global conservation debates and solutions.

Publication:

• Mediterranean blue carbon strategy : first edition (2025)

• Management of Posidonia Beaches: Examples from Mediterranean Destinations (2024)

• Manual for the creation of Blue Carbon projects in Europe and the Mediterranean (2021)