The FFEM and WWF France are launching a project to protect Posidonia seagrass beds and promote blue carbon in Tunisia

As essential marine ecosystems, Posidonia seagrass beds play a key role in biodiversity, fisheries, and climate regulation thanks to their exceptional carbon storage capacity. Yet they remain insufficiently understood and protected in Tunisia.

With a budget of 2 million euros, the PENELOPE project relies on the collective mobilization of committed stakeholders. It is implemented by WWF, in partnership with WWF North Africa, BlueSeeds, and the French Office for Biodiversity, with support from the Ministry of Ecological Transition and co-financing from the French Development Agency (AFD) through the Blue Carbon Facility and the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation.

The French Facility  for Global Environment is contributing 1 million euros and focusing its support on the development of sustainable fishing practices, in close collaboration with local communities, to reconcile seagrass bed conservation with economic activities.

The project employs an integrated approach: generating scientific knowledge, strengthening legal protection, developing blue carbon mechanisms, and supporting local stakeholders in adopting sustainable practices.

Through this initiative, the partners aim to establish a replicable model in the Mediterranean that balances ecosystem protection, economic development, and climate action.