LIFE terrAmare – Coastal communities for sustainable management of marine and dune habitats in the Natura 2000 network

LIFE terrAmare is a European project that protects coastal and marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean, with concrete actions in Italy and Greece. It focuses on coastal dunes and Posidonia oceanica seagrass beds (priority habitat H1120*), which are essential for erosion protection, carbon storage, and biodiversity.

The key innovation is the creation of Ecological Beach Communities (EBCs), communities of citizens, fishermen, tourism operators, students, and volunteers, who are the real protagonists of sustainable management. The objectives include: improving the status of six habitats of the Habitats Directive (H1210, H2110, H2120, H2210, H2250*, H1120*); restoring 406 ha of dunes and 648 ha of Posidonia beds; creating nine EBCs; involving 72 student volunteers; reducing invasive alien species; enhancing ecosystem services with an estimated sequestration of 17,475 t CO₂/year; raising awareness among over 100,000 people; disseminating the model through replicable methodological packages starting from a network of 15 Ambassadors throughout the Mediterranean.

Preparatory actions:

• Mapping and involvement of stakeholders,
• Raising awareness among tourists for more sustainable use of the beach,
• Organization of Ecological Beach Communities (EBCs),
• Recruitment and management of student volunteers for technical and scientific support in activities.

Target Habitat Conservation Actions

• Mapping of target habitats with the support of Citizen Science and geomorphological and biological analysis of the dune substrate,
• Collection of seeds and nursery reproduction of target endemic species,
• Stabilization of the frontal dune through restoration techniques,
• Identification of protected areas and preparation of conservation plans,
• Management and control of Invasive Alien Species (IAPS),
• Assessment of ecosystem services resulting from the restoration and maintenance of target habitats.

Communication, replicability, advocacy, and sustainability

• Multi-target awareness campaigns
• Development of replicable methodological packages and a network of “Mediterranean Ambassadors” to disseminate results and good practices
• Preparation and signing of the “Pact for the Coast” to create a formal commitment by coastal municipalities to adopt sustainable beach and coastal area management policies and practices.