Local teams fight to save sea plants from warming waters | ABS-CBN News

In the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, a crucial but threatened ecosystem is fighting for survival. Posidonia Oceanica, often called the "lungs of the Mediterranean," is facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change, rising sea temperatures, alien species invasion and direct human activities near the coasts. This unique seagrass is endemic to the Mediterranean and plays a vital role in maintaining marine health and combating climate change. Ramla Bouhlel, an engineer in fisheries and marine environment, explains: "Posidonia is...a major source of oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide, meaning it attracts a lot of carbon, which is a problem we currently face." The importance of Posidonia extends far beyond oxygen production. According to a study published in Nature Geosciences, it absorbs carbon dioxide three times more effectively than tropical forests. Ahmed Ghedira, President of the Notre Grand Bleu Association, emphasizes its crucial role: "Posidonia provides invaluable environmental services, particularly in climate regulation." Their latest study shows that Posidonia in the Monastir Bay and Kuriat Islands can store over 350 tons of carbon per hectare. Efforts are underway to protect and restore this vital marine plant, particularly in Tunisia. Ghedira and his team work to preserve it both through passive restoration, by monitoring its developments, and active restoration by cultivation, he explains. Notre Grand Bleu Association, along with partners, has planted 1,000 square meters for scientific experimentation on Posidonia cultivation efficiency. These conservation efforts are crucial, especially given that Tunisia, unlike countries such as France, lacks specific laws protecting these underwater ecosystems. As climate change continues to threaten this essential "green lung" of the Mediterranean, the race is on to safeguard Posidonia for future generations. - Report from Reuters For more ABS-CBN News videos, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgyY1WylJUmgUHWUpi2ioSp4xAP1SmAaf For more latest news and analysis from ABS-CBN News videos, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgyY1WylJUmg4pcvfM9a96rbUcLD_0P_U For more News Digital News Raw Cuts, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgyY1WylJUmi83yKJH8Dv0p_3D4cyZKzV Subscribe to the ABS-CBN News channel! - http://bit.ly/TheABSCBNNews Watch the full episodes of TV Patrol on iWantTFC: http://bit.ly/TVPatrol-iWantTFC Visit our website at http://news.abs-cbn.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS Twitter: https://twitter.com/abscbnnews #Exclusive #LatestNews #ABSCBNNews