Cyclades Posidonia Alert is an initiative of the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF) and the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR) raising awareness about the importance of Posidonia meadows for Cycladic communities and ecosystems, and promoting responsible yacht anchoring to protect Posidonia meadows in the Cyclades.
What is Posidonia and Why is it so Important?
Click the video to learn more!
In summary…
- Posidonia is foundational to sea life! Supporting 25% of the species in the Mediterranean, it purifies our crystal blue waters, gives us clean air, and protects our beaches.
- It’s a plant (not a seaweed) that photosynthesises, releasing oxygen and capturing more CO2 per m2 than terrestrial forests!
- When Posidonia is torn by anchors, the damage is irreversible in our lifetime. It grows extremely slowly, around 1 cm per year.
Protect it!
Drop anchor and chain on sand, not on Posidonia meadows! Anchor damage is the main threat to Posidonia in our waters.
- Fill in the Posidonia mapping questionnaires (see below).
- Download the Yachting & the Environment guide for more sustainable yachting information, with dedicated pages about Posidonia.
A publication of The Hellenic Sailing and Marine Environment Center supported by Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF)
More about the Cyclades Posidonia Alert program
Since 2021, through engagement and educational events on 14 islands, the program has reached over 1500 participants including school kids, marine users, local stakeholders, and authorities. CPF continues to educate and engage local communities, and records local experiences on Posidonia meadows and banquettes. In 2025 the campaign expanded to the tourism industry and visitors, while HCMR has mapped key Posidonia hotspots requiring protective measures.
Cyclades Posidonia Alert has been made possible thanks to the co-funding of Seacology Foundation, Edmiston Yachting, CPF, and easyJet holidays, with the collaboration and support of local organizations and authorities of the Cyclades.
Become part of the Solution!
We invite you to help us with mapping the Posidonia Meadows in the Cyclades. Give just 2 minutes of your time to answer the following questionnaire/s about the island/s you have visited.
Thank you!
