Lemnos
Restoring Posidonia meadows, coastal dunes, and wetlands in the North Aegean Sea to protect biodiversity, strengthen resilience, and support traditional livelihoods.
Lemnos, an island in the North Aegean Sea, is home to the largest continuous Posidonia seagrass meadow in the eastern Mediterranean, alongside lagoons, wetlands, dunes, and rocky reefs. These habitats provide sanctuary for dolphins, monk seals, sharks, rays, and nesting seabirds such as Yelkouan shearwater and Audouin’s gull. They also sustain small-scale fisheries and a growing tourism economy.
However, invasive species, illegal fishing, habitat degradation, and rising sea levels are eroding the island’s natural resilience. With strong community support and ecological potential, the Lemnos project aims to restore habitats and promote sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, ensuring this biodiversity hotspot thrives into the future.
BirdLife Europe and Central Asia
Lemnos island
Greece
Ongoing since 2025
20,000 ha
Posidonia meadows, sand dunes, wetland habitats, marine neritic zone
Predatory fish and elasmobranchs (groupers, angel sharks), invertebrates and marine mammals (monk seals, dolphins) seabirds (Yelkouan shearwaters, Audouin’s gulls, Eleonora’s falcon), migratory birds, wetland birds (pied avocet, Kentish plover).
Why this place matters
Lemnos is home to the most extensive Neptune grass meadows in the eastern Mediterranean.
The Lemnos seascape brings together seagrass meadows, lagoons, dunes, and wetlands into an interconnected system that supports rich biodiversity. Posidonia meadows act as underwater forests, capturing carbon, stabilising sediments, and providing nursery grounds for fish. Coastal wetlands and dunes protect against erosion and shelter migratory birds.
For centuries, these ecosystems were managed through sustainable fishing and farming practices. Today, however, rising tourism, invasive algae, dams, and pollution threaten their survival. Climate change and sea-level rise further increase the risks. Despite these challenges, the ecological value of Lemnos remains high, and its strong community ties and local commitment provide a foundation for restoration and stewardship.
Action on the ground
The project will restore habitats, strengthen community stewardship, and improve ecological management. Planned actions include:
of coastal dunes will be stabilised to prevent erosion.
Research will be conducted on seabirds and angel sharks to guide conservation, alongside rat eradication and biosecurity measures.
Bycatch reduction measures will be promoted, including fisher training on safe handling and release of endangered species.
Ecosystem services, including carbon capture, will be assessed to strengthen sustainable management of Natura 2000 areas.
of Posidonia meadows will be restored and conserved through active planting and protection measures, supported by artificial reef deployment.
A participatory governance scheme will be established through a co-management committee, bringing together local stakeholders to support eco-tourism, biosecurity, and long-term planning.
hectares of wetlands will be rehabilitated to improve water circulation and biodiversity.
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