Apulia
Restoring seagrass meadows, coastal dunes, and coralligenous reefs in southern Italy to recover biodiversity, strengthen resilience, and support coastal communities.
The southern coast of Apulia, Italy, hosts some of the Mediterranean’s most valuable marine and coastal ecosystems. Its seagrass meadows, reefs, and dunes support fisheries, provide coastal protection, and capture carbon. Yet decades of illegal fishing, uncontrolled anchoring, tourism pressures, and erosion have degraded these habitats, reducing their ability to sustain people and wildlife.
This project will restore 52,000 hectares of degraded marine and coastal ecosystems, creating a network of ecologically connected protected areas and new community-led fishery management plans. Building on the success of the Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area, it will combine ecological restoration with participatory governance and innovative financing models.
WWF Mediterranean
Southern Apulia, Adriatic Coast
Italy
Ongoing since 2025
52,000 ha
Seagrass meadows, coralligenous reefs, coastal dunes
Posidonia oceanica, Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), Common dentex (Dentex dentex)
Why this place matters
Loggerhead turtles are a focal species in the Apulia seascape.
Southern Apulia’s seagrass meadows, coralligenous reefs, and coastal dunes form one of the Mediterranean’s most productive seascapes. These habitats provide food and shelter for countless marine species, protect shorelines from erosion, and act as important carbon sinks. They also support local fisheries and tourism, forming a cornerstone of the region’s economy and culture.
But decades of anchoring, illegal fishing, and unregulated development have degraded ecosystems that once flourished along this coastline. Climate change is now adding further pressure, with warming seas and stronger storms increasing the risks. Even so, the presence of seven Natura 2000 sites and the internationally recognised Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area shows the potential for ecological recovery when protection and co-management are in place.
Action on the ground
The project will scale up restoration and strengthen governance to protect southern Apulia’s marine and coastal ecosystems. Planned actions include:
Seagrass meadows will be restored through protection measures and transplantation of Posidonia oceanica.
Eco-mooring parks will be established to prevent anchoring dam.age and provide sustainable mooring options
Sustainable financing models will be developed, such as eco-mooring fees and pilot climate projects, ensuring benefits for local communities.
Governance will be strengthened through stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, and participatory decision-making.
Coastal dunes will be restored and stabilised across degraded areas through fencing, planting, and regulated access.
Fisheries management measures will be co-created with local fishers, including no-take zones, while supporting alternative livelihoods.
A Coastal Contract will be co-designed to link land and sea management, embedding restoration across the wider seascape.
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