A project by Marevivo and the Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai to protect and enhance marine biodiversity. 116 end-of-life tires have already been removed from the Gulf of Palermo.
“3Rs for the Sea” has officially launched in Sicily — a project by Marevivo, funded by the 2023 Environment Call – Blue Spaces, and promoted through the Eight per Thousand funds from the Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai. The initiative aims to actively involve citizens and restore degraded marine areas through recovery and natural restoration efforts.
The project takes place in the Gulf of Palermo, with the goal of enhancing and protecting local biodiversity through three core actions — Regenerate, Recover, Respect — centered around the need to mitigate CO₂ via Posidonia meadow reforestation, to counter marine pollution, and to raise awareness of the ocean’s importance for both human and planetary well-being.
The first action to be implemented was Recover, which has already led to the removal of 116 large end-of-life tires (ELTs) that were illegally dumped into the waters off the coastal village of Acqua dei Corsari, at a depth of about 10 meters. The operation was carried out by a team of 26 divers with the support of CEDIFOP’s underwater technical operators. The recovered tires will now be sent for proper recycling in partnership with the specialized consortium EcoTyre.
The urban area of Acqua dei Corsari, located across from Bandita, has long been a symbol of environmental degradation along this stretch of the Palermo coast. It became an open-air dumping site for construction debris, forming a 20-meter-high mound known as “il mammellone” (“the big mound”), which gradually collapsed into the sea, releasing hazardous pollutants — including a massive quantity of large tires.
“Regenerate, Recover, Respect: these are the actions the project aims to pursue to protect and enhance marine biodiversity. Three key words that sum up a forward-looking vision and the valuable role each of us can play — starting now — in safeguarding the planet,” said Laura Gentile, Project Coordinator for the environmental foundation Marevivo. “The depletion of oceans, the climate crisis, and the loss of animal and plant species demand an integrated and inclusive approach. While each action may be specific, it must always be grounded in the broader goal of informing and engaging a growing segment of the population.”
“The ‘3Rs for the Sea’ project fully reflects Buddhist principles of interdependence and respect for life in all its forms. Protecting biodiversity and the environment means recognizing that all living beings are connected and that our actions affect the ecosystem as a whole,” said Anna Conti, Vice President of the Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai. “Education is a key element for us: we believe that through education, especially among younger generations, we can foster deeper awareness and responsibility toward the planet. That is why we are proud to fund this project as part of our environmental protection initiatives.”
“We are renewing our commitment to the environment by supporting this component of the ‘3Rs for the Sea’ project, which involves recovering end-of-life tires. Our goal is also to raise awareness about proper ELT disposal, helping to reduce their environmental impact while supporting circular economy principles,” said Enrico Ambrosio, President of EcoTyre.
Regenerate. A reforestation effort will restore 100 square meters of Posidonia oceanica using rhizomes planted in the waters off Acqua dei Corsari (Bandita), at a depth of around 13–14 meters. The work, entrusted to Biosurvey srl, targets an area that once hosted a lush Posidonia meadow — a vital part of the ecosystem. Together with other marine plants, Posidonia produces over 50% of the oxygen we breathe, absorbs carbon dioxide, and supports life on Earth. It is estimated that once fully established, the reforested Posidonia will absorb around 8 tons of CO₂. The site will be regularly monitored over the project’s 24-month duration to assess the success of the transplant.
Respect. In addition to direct action aimed at tackling environmental emergencies, the project includes initiatives to promote environmental education and sustainability, helping people connect with nature and adopt small, sustainable behaviors in daily life.
To this end, “3Rs for the Sea” will activate educational labs on environment and sustainability at the Marevivo Environmental Education Center “Baia del Corallo” in Sferracavallo, within the Capo Gallo – Isola delle Femmine Marine Protected Area (PA). These activities will engage both teachers and high school students, focusing on biodiversity, seascapes, and the interconnections between the ocean, climate, and health. The initiative also aims to promote local traditions and knowledge tied to the sea.
