Governance and management of Posidonia beach- dune systems across the Mediterranean

The Posbemed 2 project will gather for the first time the key stakeholders involved in coastal management across the Mediterranean to work together in testing actions for a sustainable management of Posidonia landscape and beaches with Posidonia banquettes in Protected Areas(PAs).In many Mediterranean countries the management of beaches with banquettes is entrusted to regional and local governments.Often,beaches are an integral part of the tourist appeal and previous assessments on stakeholders’ views and management practices, make clear the need to promote better management of this littoral landscape on beaches.Enhanced support for more naturally-oriented practices from tourist sector or local authorities could be further increased with more capacity and knowledge of management options and policies for PAs.This project is based on the findings of the project Posbemed,developed within the past Interreg Med call with the aim of defining a joint strategy for the sustainable management of the beaches with banquettes.The objective of Posbemed 2 is to catalyse its results “to manage the Mediterranean coastline by developing planning strategies that recognize the value of the Posidonia beach-dune environment and integrate them into the overall coastal strategy,while also addressing concerns and educating stakeholders”.It further addresses key knowledge gaps,providing information that will enhance management decisions on adaptation,policies,planning and promotion in PAs.1 Reference framework for improved coastline management tools for Protected Areas with Posidonia and its banquettes, is tested and refined at 11 sites. : A methodological framework and a recommendations tool-box for assessing and developing innovative coastal management approaches and good practices that will support the learning process. Through this, the project will enhance PA effectiveness and its resilience to climate change impacts. It will also provide optional measures to rehabilitate their environment, and contribute towards establishing and strengthening management at priority coastal and marine protected areas where Posidonia occurs. This will enhance the conservation of their natural resources and ecological processes and functionality while maintaining a sustainable use of resources.1 Reference framework for improved coastline management tools for Protected Areas with Posidonia and its banquettes, is tested and refined at 11 sites. : A methodological framework and a recommendations tool-box for assessing and developing innovative coastal management approaches and good practices that will support the learning process. Through this, the project will enhance PA effectiveness and its resilience to climate change impacts. It will also provide optional measures to rehabilitate their environment, and contribute towards establishing and strengthening management at priority coastal and marine protected areas where Posidonia occurs. This will enhance the conservation of their natural resources and ecological processes and functionality while maintaining a sustainable use of resources.2 Local and regional capacity is strengthened for effective best management practices it the Posidonia littoral zone : Increase knowledge and skills among stakeholders (administrations of both regional and local authorities as well as of stakeholders from civil society and private sector) to monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness and risks of local actions, planning and actual management of seagrass meadows, beaches and adjacent coastal dunes of protected areas.3 Gradual improvement in the effectiveness of instruments for Posidonia system and its banquettes for integrated spatial planning & coastline manage : The project will enable the development of aframework for transferring, disseminating and capitalising best practices for decision making and policy on Posidonia banquette conservation management, together with better integration of the Posidonia coastal landscape in protected sites and other coastal areas in policy planning and implementation. Seminars, workshops and key publications will be carried out to enhance networking of regional and local administrations, research centers and interested stakeholder groups to discuss and to capitalize best practices with the promotion of policy recommendations and guidelines for the private sector. A long-term contribution to a sustainable local business environment through better protection of the coastline from erosion.The gradual implementation of better policies at the local scale in the PAs and surrounding areas will help to achieve a more resilient Mediterranean protected area network.Action framework plan for Posidonia coastal zone at 8 PAs :8, Integrated and transferable methodology and toolbox for Posidonia beach management in PAs :1, Transferability of knowledge and stakeholder engagement on good practices for PA´s effectiveness enhanced :5, Set of policy recommendations and tools for integrated management of Posidonia littoral zone in PAs :4, Joint Charter of Commitment for Mediterranean Municipalities :1.