Posidonia oceanica is an endemic plant that grows on the sea bottom and whose decaying stems are washed up in big quantity on the beaches. During winter time a considerable amount of biomass usually accumulates and this phenomenon negatively impacts on the touristic vocation of some areas, since the plants are perceived by tourists as a sign of neglect.

So far the biomass collected on the beaches has been mixed to the organic waste and composted, but now a new project aims at concretely using the Posidonia oceanica to reduce the amount of waste and help the tourism, making it more sustainable.

The project, called GE.RI.N (Gestione Risorse Naturali, Natural Resources management), is funded by the Italian Government trough its Ministry for University and Research (MIUR ) and is part of a larger project called "Sicily Eco-Innovation". The novelty of this project is the use of the Posidonia oceanica biomass to produce biodegradable mattings employed as walking paths and natural covers to provide a safe access to sensitive coastal areas. Protected areas will be easily reached by tourists avoiding sand erosion and damages in the same areas. The mattings have been used also to reactivate the Posidonia oceanica grass on the sea floor where ruined.

The project is realized by ENEA and the first phase has just been completed. The final results will hopefully have positive impacts on the environmental, social and economical needs of the local population and foster both sustainable tourism and environmental protection.

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