SUBMON continues to work on the protection of l’Albera through the European BLUE CONNECT project

Since September, SUBMON has embarked on a new European project: BLUE CONNECT. This project, an EU Blue Parks project funded by the European Commission under the Mission Ocean, seeks to protect and restore marine habitats and ecosystems in order to achieve the conservation objectives set by the European Union by 2030, developing a holistic approach to the planning and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

BLUE CONNECT focuses on creating a practical and replicable tool (Blueprint) that will help set science-based conservation targets and co-define conservation actions for effective MPA management. The model will take into account key elements such as ecological connectivity, active ecosystem restoration and co-management, while integrating social, economic and cultural factors. For its development, the project uses a holistic modelling framework that combines data on biodiversity, ecological functioning, ecosystem services and input from local communities and relevant stakeholders, collected in 12 pilot sites.

Within the project, SUBMON collaborates by contributing its experience in marine conservation and restoration in the Mediterranean, particularly in the demonstration site of l’Albera.

L’Albera

L’Albera demo site, located along the coves of Canyelles and Rastell, in Llançà, is part of the Natura 2000 site of l’Albera, a Site of Community Importance (SCI). This marine area, which covers 5 hectares, is home to Posidonia oceanica meadows and a small meadow of Zostera noltei, two key species for the marine ecosystems of the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, its proximity to other MPAs, such as the Cap de Creus Natural Park and the Marine Nature Reserve of Cerbère-Banyuls in French waters, reinforces its role as a biological corridor for marine species.

Neptune seagrass flower.

Despite its ecological importance, l’Albera faces several threats, such as boat anchoring and mooring, that may affect the existing habitats, and a lack of awareness of its protected status, hindering its proper conservation. To address these challenges, SUBMON signed a marine stewardship agreement in 2021 with the Llançà City Council and the Generalitat de Catalunya, establishing a framework to carry out protection, restoration and awareness-raising actions in this area.SUBMON in l’Albera

SUBMON’s work in l’Albera focuses on protecting this unique marine environment through the development and improvement of science-based conservation objectives and measures. Part of this effort includes studying the connectivity of l’Albera with nearby protected areas, assessing its role as a biological corridor between the Cap de Creus Natural Park and the adjacent French waters, as well as potential expansion of its protection to reinforce this role.

Furthermore, l’Albera is one of only two demo sites in the BLUE CONNECT project where active habitat restoration efforts will take place, specifically promoting the restoration of Neptune seagrass meadows. These actions will begin with an outreach session to engage the local community, followed by restoration trials to replant Posidonia oceanica shoots torn up by storms. The involvement of local residents in these activities aims to strengthen the sense of shared responsibility for the area’s conservation and raise awareness of the importance of Neptune seagrass.

Diver exploring the Neptune seagrass meadows.

The community, a key element in conservationCommunity involvement is a cornerstone of SUBMON’s approach in l’Albera. Through educational workshops and practical activities, the goal is to raise awareness among the local population and actively involve them in the restoration and management of the area. For this purpose, a Local Stakeholder Working Group (LSWG) has been established, ensuring that local voices are heard and  taken into account in the decision-making process.

L’Albera is a small but vital link in the Mediterranean’s ecological network. Thanks to the BLUE CONNECT project, SUBMON is working to ensure its conservation through an approach that combines science, restoration, and community participation.

Find out more at: https://blueconnect-project.eu/