3Rs FOR THE SEA
Regenerate | Recover | Respect
A project to enhance and protect marine biodiversity
Regenerate, Recover, Respect — these are the actions this project aims to implement in order to enhance and protect marine biodiversity. Three key words that summarize a vision for the future and the valuable contribution each of us can make, today, to safeguard the planet.
The depletion of oceans and seas, the climate crisis, and the loss of animal and plant species demand an integrated, inclusive approach and targeted actions that, despite their specificity, must always prioritize public awareness and the active involvement of a growing portion of society.
Phase 1
Regenerate
Breathe New Life into Natural Resources
Just like the land, the sea has its own forests — such as Posidonia oceanica meadows — which produce over 50% of the oxygen we breathe, absorb carbon dioxide, and sustain life on Earth. But their vital role is under threat due to heavy coastal development, trawling, unregulated anchoring, and pollution. When these ecosystems are degraded or damaged, they lose their ability to capture carbon, and the carbon they’ve already stored is released back into the atmosphere as CO₂, thus contributing to climate change.
The Activity
A reforestation intervention of 100 square meters with Posidonia oceanica rhizomes is planned in the Gulf of Palermo, off the coast of the seaside district known as Acqua dei Corsari (Bandita). This is a degraded area that once hosted a thriving Posidonia meadow. To assess whether the operation has effectively initiated the desired recovery process, the site will be regularly monitored until the end of the project.
The reforestation is entrusted to Biosurvey.
Based on available data, it is estimated that 100 square meters of Posidonia meadow, once fully developed, could absorb about 8 tons of CO₂.
Phase 2
Recover
Tackling Degradation Through Circular Economy Principles.
According to a 2017 study by Pieter Jan Kole of the Open University of the Netherlands, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, car tires contribute approximately 10% of all ocean microplastics. While many used tyres are disposed through proper channels, a significant number are still illegally dumped,, posing serious risks to health and the environment.
Discarded tyres that settle on the ocean floor can persist for centuries. Beyond their contribution to microplastic pollution, they also pose physical threats to marine life. Animals can become trapped inside these tyres, often unable to escape, leading to injury or death.
The Activity
In the seabed near the reforestation site, a significant number of illegally dumped tyres were found. These were recovered by Marevivo’s Diving Division, in collaboration with the EcoTyre Consortium, and sent for proper recycling. Not only did this initiative remove hazardous waste from the marine environment, but it also contributed to the circular economy by giving new life to discarded materials.
From the collected tyres, recyclable materials such as rubber, steel, and textile fibers can be recovered.
During the operation carried out in October 2024, a total of 116 tyres of various sizes were retrieved and directed toward recycling and material recovery processes.
Phase 3
Respect
Ocean and Climate Literacy
The environment we inhabit -particularly our oceans – is facing growing threats from human activity, endangering both ecosystem health and, ultimately, human well-being.
Beyond all possible countermeasures to limit environmental emergencies, it is crucial to invest in environmental and sustainability education – not only to foster knowledge of the natural world, but more importantly to provide people with accurate information and learning opportunities.
The Activity
The project includes the launch of environmental and sustainability education workshops to be held at Marevivo’s Environmental Education Center “Baia del Corallo” in Palermo, located in Sferracavallo — an area nestled between the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve and the Capo Gallo–Isola delle Femmine Marine Protected Area.
These activities are aimed at high school students and are led by expert Marevivo educators.
Further Insight
Marine plants that produce oxygen
The Mediterranean Sea is home to five species of marine seagrasses, which are true plants, and unlike algae, these plants have well-defined structures such as stems and roots, and produce flowers, seeds, and fruits:
Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa, Zostera marina, Zostera noltii, and Halophila stipulacea.
Among them, Posidonia oceanica stands out as particularly ecologically valuable. It is endemic to the Mediterranean, meaning it is found only along the coasts of this sea. It forms vast underwater meadows covering around 20,000 square miles — some of the most important and biodiverse ecosystems in our sea.
Posidonia is also an extremely sensitive ecological indicator of changing environmental conditions and, being a plant, it produces oxygen.
Growing up to 40 meters deep and capturing sunlight underwater, it performs photosynthesis through its long green ribbon-like leaves — producing oxygen, absorbing CO₂, and helping to fight the greenhouse effect and coastal erosion.
Thanks to its widespread presence, Posidonia meadows also play a vital role in supporting and protecting marine biodiversity: one hectare can host up to 350 different marine species, offering shelter and nourishment to crustaceans, fish, and many other species of high ecological and economic importance.
