Protecting Posidonia | Ibiza Preservation

Since 2019, we have proudly supported the Ibiza Preservation’s work to help conserve and raise awareness for Posidonia Seagrass. We have donated over €15,000 so far to the work of Ibiza Preservation. The ancient and magical underwater meadows are critical to the marine ecosystem and are called ‘the lungs of the sea’.

Manu San Felix diving underwater with the posidonia seagrass of Ibiza

Posidonia Oceanica seagrass is a key component of the local marine ecosystem and many Mediterranean species depend on it for survival. Not only are these seagrasses breeding grounds for fish, but they are a huge carbon sink and produce an immense amount of oxygen, as well as filtering and purifying the water. These sprawling underwater meadows have existed for more than 1,000 years and thus have been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Posidonia Oceanica faces serious threats from humans such as boat anchors, coastal construction and pollution; each of which has played a part in destroying a vast percentage of the seagrass. It is reported that approximately 34% of the Posidonia meadows have been lost within the last 50 years. Posidonia oceanica is also a very slow-growing species, one square meter of the seagrass takes over ten decades to regenerate.

Together with IP, we are changing the tide. By using high-tech equipment, IP and partners have been able to map the Posidonia seagrass meadows that surround the islands and develop a mobile app which enables seafarers, both recreational and occupational, with an interactive map of the meadows, so they will actively avoid anchoring on the meadows.

ibiza preservation

This remarkable seagrass has inspired a number of LOVE BRAND & Co. prints over the years and are proud to continue to raise funds and awareness for Protecting Posidonia in collaboration with Ibiza Preservation and local marine biologist Manu San-Felix and local hospitality partner Nobu Ibiza Bay. Together changing the profile and hopefully the fate of this incredible plant, Posidonia Oceanica.

"The spirit and philosophy of lOVE BRAND & Co. is an example of how companies can do a lot for the protection and recovery of nature."

Manu San Felix, Marine Biologist and National Geographic Photographer

Manu San Felix diving through seagrass

Known as ‘the lungs of the sea,’ this extraordinary seagrass absorbs more carbon dioxide than the equivalent area of the Amazon rainforest!

Ocean currents also shape dense balls of its dead leaves, which act like natural filters, trapping plastic and carrying it to shore.

“The UN has called the ocean the world’s greatest ally against climate change. It generates half of the oxygen we need, absorbs a quarter of our carbon dioxide emissions and has captured 90% of the heat generated by these emissions.”

Manu San Felix dives underwater to photograph posidonia seagrass

Like many marine species, the Posidonia oceanica faces serious threats. the most significant are boat anchors, coastal construction, climate change, fishing nets, pollution and poor water quality.

The seagrass population is declining rapidly. Posidonia oceanica is a slow-growing species. One square metre of grass takes over ten decades to regenerate, making its vulnerability even more alarming.The IPF and partners have launched a project to help save the seagrass and LOVE BRAND & Co. are proud to be donating to their efforts.

Using high-tech equipment, the IPF team have created a map of the Posidonia meadows to monitor and survey the health of the seagrass. They have also worked on a mobile app which will provide seafarers, both fishing and tourist boats alike, with the interactive map so they can avoid anchoring on the grasses.

Did you know?

In 2006, a Posidonia oceanica colony spanning over 5 miles was discovered off the coast of Ibiza. Estimated to be over 100,000 years old, it’s believed to be the oldest and largest living organism on the planet!

underwater shot taken at one of Manu San Felix's posidonia seagrass conservation projects

When you purchase any LOVE BRAND & Co. product, you are directly contributing to conservation projects such as this. Your support is so appreciated, and together we can make huge strides when it comes to protecting the natural world.